Macra calls for Heydon to intervene and protect Ireland’s food reputation
Tractor convoy as part of the IFA protest outside the Bord Bia Dublin offices. Photo: Finbarr O'Rourke
Agriculture minister Martin Heydon is being called on by Macra naFeirme to take decisive action to protect Ireland’s food reputation.
Macra continues to call on the agriculture minister to facilitate urgent and constructive dialogue across the agri-food sector to protect Ireland’s international food reputation and restore farmer confidence in Bord Bia.
The young farmers organisation said that the recent public exchanges involving the chair of Bord Bia and concerns raised by the IFA 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 has 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 the farmer’s trust but also the consumer and Ireland’s standing on a global stage.
Speaking on the matter, national president of Macra, Josephine O’Neill, said: “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.”
Concluding, the rural youth organisation said the ongoing issues continue to challenge Ireland’s access to world markets, and with the continued unrest surrounding An Bord Bia must be resolved to restore confidence among consumers and the agricultural sector.
