Agriculture minister doubles down on support for Bord Bia chair Larry Murrin

Martin Heydon calls on the IFA to cease its protests at the company's Dublin offices

The 'Bord Bia Five' protesting inside the Bord Bia headquarters. Picture: Leah Farrell /  RollingNews.ie

In a statement issued by agriculture minister Martin Heydon, he reiterates his confidence in Larry Murrin as Bord Bia chair.

“Mr Murrin continues to have my full confidence to serve as Chair of Bord Bia,” he said.

Mr Heydon said Mr Murrin’s appointment to the chair position of Bord Bia in April 2024 was part of a competitive, selective process and was “appointed in accordance with the required corporate governance procedures for State boards”. 

He added Mr Murrin went before the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Agriculture in early February and “gave a robust and in-depth explanation” in relation to matters and concerns being raised surrounding Brazilian meat imports and Mr Murrin’s company, Dawn Farms, supply chain contingency.

Meanwhile protests at Bord Bia offices in Dublin by the Irish Farmers’ Association are ongoing, while the 'Bord Bia Five' continue to occupy the building.

Mr Heydon said direct engagement by the department and senior IFA members had discussed the possibility of a compromise.

I have spoken to the IFA president in recent days, and I believe there is an opportunity to bring a resolution to this. This protracted dispute is not in the best interest of the agri-food sector.

"A written request to cease the protest was sent to the IFA from the board of Bord Bia — the IFA has not stood down the protest,” the minister explained.

The minister said 140 staff in Bord Bia remain unable to access their offices in Dublin to resume normal working due to the continued occupation of the building.

Referring to the Food Vision stakeholder meeting he convened on February 13, Minister Heydon said it opened up dialogue surrounding specific issues concerning Bord Bia, where all participants had a chance to express their views.

The result of the meeting led to three commitments, which Bord Bia and the department will revisit and address going forward:

• Revisit the focus on farmer experiences with quality assurance audits;
• Establish a farmer forum to improve farmer engagement with Bord Bia;
• Undertake a dedicated information campaign to better explain Origin Green and Quality Assurance Schemes (QAS). 

In his statement, the minister said the department would undertake an initiative to enhance understanding of global supply chains for Irish food and drink and an understanding of labelling and food information for consumer requirements.

He said feedback has been received from six farming organisations in relation to these proposals, and work was now under way to advance them.

At a Bord Bia board meeting on February 18, the IFA submitted a document consisting of seven strands of commitments for Bord Bia to initiate following the various issues that have arisen in recent weeks.

Mr Heydon credited Bord Bia with the €20.8bn recorded in agri-food exports recorded in 2025, saying the organisation played “a crucial role” in that success of delivering outcomes for farmers and reaching more premium markets for Irish farmers' produce.