Farmers have occupied the HQ of Bord Bia in Dublin in an escalation of the dispute over the role of the chair of the board, Larry Murrin.

Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) president Francie Gorman said the move reflects the deep frustration and anger over what he claims is the "inaction" by Bord Bia on this matter.

“It’s over two weeks since I first raised this matter, and over a week since we began our protest outside the Bord Bia office in Dublin," he said.

"Our position has been quite clear on this; the position of the chair is untenable given that he imports Brazilian beef,” Gorman said.

Bord Bia

Larry Murrin has been at the centre of controversy because his company Dawn Farm Foods confirmed that Brazilian beef accounted for 1% of its beef supply in 2025.

Farm organisations and some politicians claim that Murrin's business sourcing beef from Brazil clashes with his role of chair of the body tasked with promoting Irish food.

The majority of the board of Bord Bia have given their support to Murrin, as well as agriculture minister, Martin Heydon, Tánaiste Simon Harris, and business representatives.

It was noted that there was nothing illegal about Murrin's business arrangements, and he did not break any rules regarding the criteria for holding the role of chair.

However, Francie Gorman said the prolonged nature of the issue is having a significant impact on the standing of Bord Bia amongst farmers.

“It will take some time to rebuild confidence in Bord Bia among farmers," he said.

"For every day that this goes on, it will take longer. Even at this stage, those who can retrieve the situation should step up and resolve the matter."

Murrin agreed to appear before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food this Thursday (February 5), in a further effort to address and clarify his position.