The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) is today (Wednesday, February 4) expanding its action beyond the headquarters of Bord Bia in Dublin, in an ongoing controversy about the chair of the board of Bord Bia.

Members of the farm organisation handed a letter into the constituency office of Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Noel Grealish in Galway today.

The letter urges Minister Grealish, who has responsibility for food promotion as well as new markets, to seek the resignation of Larry Murrin as Bord Bia chair.

Controversy erupted when it became widely known that Murrin's Dawn Farms company sources a small percentage of beef from Brazil.

Farmers feel that his position as chair of an organisation tasked with promoting only Irish produce is "untenable".

However so far, the majority of the Bord Bia board, the government and business entities have rowed behind Murrin in support of his position.

Letter regarding Bord Bia

In the letter to Minister Grealish, Galway County IFA Executive, Stephen Canavan wrote:

"The role of chair of Bord Bia is one of significant public trust and national importance, given the organisation's responsibility to represent, promote, and protect Ireland's agri-food sector both domestically and internationally.

"It is essential that the leadership of Bord Bia commands the full confidence of stakeholders, producers, and the wider public.

"In light of ongoing concerns regarding Mr. Murrin's suitability to continue in this role, I believe that his resignation would be in the best interests of Bord Bia and would help restore confidence in the organisation's governance and independence.

"I respectfully ask that you give this matter your urgent consideration and take the appropriate steps to ensure that Bord Bia is led in a manner that reflects the highest standards of accountability, integrity, and public service," the letter outlined.

Meanwhile, the IFA is continuing an 'occupation' of the Bord Bia office in Dublin city.

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon has called on farmer representatives to "de-escalate" the action and Bord Bia staff have said that it is "unacceptable" to disrupt the work of staff at Bord Bia HQ.