Cold, wet, stormy weather reflected the mood of farmers gathered outside the Dáil today (Thursday, February 5) as the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food met inside.

The committee had invited the chair of Bord Bia, Larry Murrin, who is also the CEO of Dawn Farm Foods, to discuss "headlines in relation to the importation of Brazilian beef into Ireland" and his role as chair.

While TDs and senators questioned Murrin inside, outside farmers voiced their frustration.

Murrin

Murrin has been at the centre of a controversy over his role as Bord Bia chair while also having a company that sources some Brazilian beef.

The Irish company has confirmed that the business sources some beef from Brazil. According to Dawn Farm Foods, Brazilian beef accounted for 1% of its beef supply in 2025.

The government and business representatives have consistently backed Murrin in his position, highlighting that the contracts secured by Dawn Farm Foods have been of benefit to Irish farming.

Minister Heydon has said Murrin has his "full confidence" while Meat Industry Ireland (MII) has also expressed "full support" for Murrin in his role as chair of the board of Bord Bia.

However on the streets just outside Leinster House some farmers today told Agriland they were unhappy with the current situation and wanted to see changes made.

ICSA

Sean McNamara, president of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA), said: “I’m here to see that fair play is done, that Larry Murrin will step down from his position.

Following the meeting today McNamara said that farmers are expected to meet strict rules with no flexibility while "the chair of Bord Bia believes flexibility and sourcing Brazilian beef are acceptable when it suits the business.”

He said that it was "not a question of whether something is legal or not. It is a question of trust and credibility".

ICMSA

Meanwhile Dennis Drennan, president of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association (ICMSA), told Agriland today:  “What we need is a solution to this.

"We’re calling on the minister for agriculture to get everyone around the table [and] restore farmer confidence in Bord Bia.

“There will be a solution found to this, and we need to find it sooner rather than later.”

IFA

The president of the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA), Francie Gorman said statements made by Murrin at today’s Joint Oireachtas Committee have raised further questions.

"Mr. Murrin’s company imported Brazilian beef and Brazilian chicken.

"Farmers do not see this as compatible with being the chair of the Irish food marketing board and of the organisation that sets and policies standards for Irish Quality Assurance farmers," Gorman added.