Murrin: 'I don't do ultimatums, unless they come from my wife'
Bord Bia chair Larry Murrin believes "respectful dialogue is the only way forward" in an ongoing row over his position.
At a special meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food today (Thursday, February 5), Murrin outlined his role as chair of the Irish Food Board.
He also spoke about the sourcing policies of Dawn Farm Foods, the company of which he is CEO.
Dawn Farm Foods has confirmed it sourced 1% of its beef from Brazil in 2025, which has led to outrage among farm organisations and some politicians.
They have claimed that Murrin's company sourcing beef from Brazil is incompatible with his role as chair of the body tasked with promoting Irish food.
Several farming groups protested outside Leinster House today to coincide with Murrin's appearance at the committee.
Murrin on farmer frustration
Murrin told the meeting that he intends to remain as chair of Bord Bia.
He said he understands "the frustration being expressed by farmers" and "fully respect their right to voice concern".
"However, I do not support the behaviour of Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) members occupying Bord Bia reception in recent days," he said.
"From the outset, I have sought dialogue and engagement, and that remains my position," the Bord Bia chair said.
Bord Bia
Murrin spoke about the Bord Bia board meeting held on Thursday, January 22, during which he said "all perspectives were heard".
"This meeting was called to have a discussion about an issue that had arisen on social media in the previous days.
"A majority of the board supported me to remain as chair, and this was subsequently affirmed by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
"It's important also to say that support was not unanimous, and I acknowledge that both the IFA and the the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association (ICMSA) did not agree," he said.
Murrin said that he had offered to "meet with the IFA National Council and alternative pathways were proposed".
"These were rejected in favour of a single demanded outcome," he said, referring to the calls to have him removed as Bord Bia chair by farm organisations.
"It was presented as an ultimatum to me and the board and I don't do ultimatums unless they come from my wife.
"This has the potential to be deeply damaging to our industry, and risks creating the impression that Irish farmers and exporters are not open for business," he said.
"This should not be about winners or losers. I remain fully committed to acting in the long-term interests of Irish farmers, Bord Bia, and the Irish agri-food sector as a whole," Murrin added.
Dialogue
Murrin told Independent Senator Victor Boyhan that he is "absolutely open to sitting down and having dialogue with the farm organisations".
Senator Boyhan said: "We need a solution, and I think the solution can be a commitment on how you source your beef".
"I think everyone in this room is on the one page, we want Irish beef, chicken and pork on Irish plates. We do not want heads on plates.
"I believe we can bang our heads together, we have got to get a resolution. I think we have it there, if we can change the focus, change the dial in relation to the importation of beef," he said.
Fine Gael TD John Clendennen told Murrin that he had "not lost the dressing room, but there's certainly a split in the dressing room".
He asked the Bord Bia chair to provide a deadline for when the dialogue will be complete and if he would report back to the committee.
Murrin told the TD that he did not think it was possible to provide a deadline, adding that "the dialogue has to happen in the interests of all stakeholders".
