Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon has called "an important meeting of key agri-food stakeholders".

The minister said the meeting would aim to address "pressing issues facing farmers and the wider sector".

The gathering will also include discussions on the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and bluetongue.

All stakeholders have been contacted with a view to meeting by the end of this week.

Meeting

Minister Heydon said that the meeting follows recent public discussion around Bord Bia, Quality Assurance Schemes and trade-related matters.

"There has been significant debate in recent weeks around Bord Bia, Quality Assurance Schemes and how they operate in practice for farmers.

"I believe there is a real opportunity now for constructive dialogue to address the specific issues that have been raised and, importantly, to improve the experience for farmers while protecting the integrity and value of our quality assurance systems," he said.

Minister Heydon said the objective of the meeting is to ensure Quality Assurance Schemes are "future-proofed and continue to deliver tangible benefits for farmers and for Ireland’s agri-food sector".

"These schemes are critical to maintaining market access and consumer confidence, but they must also work fairly and effectively for farmers on the ground,” he said.

The proposed meeting comes as controversy surrounding the Bord Bia chair Larry Murrin has been ongoing for several weeks.

Farm organisations and some politicians, have called on Murrin to resign over the fact that his business, Dawn Farm Foods, sources some beef from Brazil.

Minister Heydon has said that Larry Murrin has his "full confidence" as chair of Bord Bia.

CAP

Minister Heydon said the proposed meeting would provide an opportunity to discuss wider priorities for the year ahead.

Among the issues the minister is hoping to discuss are CAP post-2027 and the ongoing EU budget negotiations, water quality and the nitrates derogation.

The meeting would also examine animal disease challenges, supports for generational renewal and improving health and safety standards on farms.

"Engagement with stakeholders is essential as we review Food Vision 2030 and plan for the next phase of agricultural policy.

"I want early, meaningful engagement and a clear focus on practical outcomes," the minister said.