Macra has called on Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon to "facilitate urgent and constructive dialogue" over the ongoing controversy concerning Bord Bia chairperson Larry Murrin.

The farm organisation made the comments after Murrin appeared before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food yesterday (Thursday, February 5) to answer concerns over his business, Dawn Farm Foods, sourcing some beef from Brazil.

Farm organisations and many politicians across both government parties and the opposition believe this clashes with Murrin's role as chair of the body responsible for promoting Irish food.

However, Murrin as received the backing of Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon, as well as Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris.

Following Murrin's committee appearance, Macra has said that dialogue is needed "across the agri-food sector", in order to protect Ireland's international food reputation and "restore farmers' confidence in Bord Bia".

The organisation said that "recent public exchanges" involving Murrin "have highlighted the need for clear leadership, dialogue and engagement".

"Confidence among farmers in the institution that represents Irish food at home and abroad is essential and must be safeguarded," Macra said in a statement.

The young farmers' organisation said that Ireland’s reputation as a trusted, high-quality food producer depends on "unity, transparency, and respect throughout the sector".

"Failure to address these issues risks damaging not only farmer and consumer trust, but also Ireland’s standing on the global stage," the statement added.

Macra president Josephine O’Neill commented: "Ireland’s food reputation is a critical national asset, and it cannot be taken for granted. Farmers must have confidence in the systems and structures that represent them internationally.

"We are calling on the minister to intervene now, ensure meaningful dialogue takes place, and provide the leadership needed to restore trust and protect our global standing," O'Neill added.

According to Macra, the importance of Bord Bia to represent Irish food on the global stage is "needed now more than ever".

"Continued unrest surrounding Bord Bia must be resolved to restore confidence among consumers and the agricultural sector," the organisation said.