IFA resolve grows on removal of Murrin
AN appearance by Bord Bia Chair, Larry Murrin, before a Joint Oireachtas Committee last week, has made no dent on the IFA’s campaign to secure his resignation or removal.
IFA President, Francie Gorman, said that if anything, his contributions to the Joint Oireachtas Committee, had raised even further questions about his link with imported Brazilian food products.
Francie Gorman said that during the question-and-answer session, Larry Murrin had admitted that as well as importing Brazilian beef he was also importing chicken from that country.
“He also refused to give the actual tonnage of beef he imported in 2025. It was Mr. Murrin who put the 1% figure from Brazil in the public domain.
“Last week before the Oireachtas Committee, he hid behind commercial sensitivity, when asked to give specifics about the exact tonnage he imported, and where else his imports come from.
“In addition, he refused to confirm what percentage of the beef that he sources, comes from Bord Bia Quality Assured Irish farms.
“But from his answers, it appears that less than 50% comes from Bord Bia farmers. He should clarify this,” said the IFA President.
According to Francie Gorman, the involvement of Mr. Murrin’s food firm – Dawn Farm Foods – in the importation of Brazilian beef and chicken, was not in the eyes of farmers, compatible with being Chair of Bord Bia.
“This is the Irish food marketing board and the organisation that sets and polices standards for Irish QA [Quality Assured] farmers,” he said.
He also pointed out that last week’s Bord Bia poultry meeting in Monaghan had to be abandoned because of the ongoing controversy.
The IFA are also claiming that while Dawn Farm Foods has ‘Origin Green Gold Status’ on its website, Larry Murrin had admitted to the Oireachtas Committee that the company no longer meets this standard.
“Our position has been quite clear on this: the position of the Chair is untenable given that he imports Brazilian beef and poultry. The resolve of our members remains strong.
“Rarely have I seen such depth of feeling on an issue. It is time for the Minister to sit down with the Chair and explain, that in order to restore farmer confidence, a new Chair is needed,” said Francie Gorman.
Pictured: Francie Gorman: Chair has to go.