IFA to host public meeting in Claremorris on Bord Bia controversy
(Left to right) Roy O Brien Mayo /Galway IFA rep, Brendan Golden Connaught IFA chairman and Alan Petrie, pictured outside the Bord Bia HQ in Dublin.
A public meeting will be held in Claremorris, Co Mayo, on Thursday night, February 19, by the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) to discuss the Bord Bia controversy.
IFA Connacht regional chair, Brendan Golden, said farmers in the region are very annoyed about the double standards at play.
“There is huge anger on the ground over this issue. Not every farmer can get to Dublin to support the protest at Bord Bia. This meeting is an opportunity for farmers in the region to make their voice heard,” he said.
Continuing, Mr Golden said: “We are delighted that the IFA president is in a position to attend… Public representatives from the region will be invited so they can hear the frustrations of farmers.
"The outcome of last Friday’s meeting with the department of agriculture was very disappointing as it didn’t address the core issue, which is the collapse in trust in Bord Bia because of the actions of their chair.”
Mr Golden highlighted that approximately 55,000 farmers make up the foundations of the Bord Bia Quality Assurance schemes and audits, saying that the schemes are “a partnership between farmers and food producers, manufacturers, food service companies and Bord Bia. That partnership is being shattered”.
“Farmers will not have confidence in Bord Bia while the chair’s company is importing Brazilian beef and chicken… Farmers cannot understand the stance of the minister on this.
"He has to realise the damage this is doing to the sector. I have no doubt there will be a strong message from the meeting,” concluded Mr Golden.
