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‘Continued unrest must be resolved’ – Macra president

Macra says it is continuing its call for Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon to take decisive action to facilitate urgent and constructive dialogue across the agri-food sector, in order to protect Ireland’s international food reputation and restore farmer confidence in Bord Bia.
Chair of Bord Bia, Larry Murrin, who appeared before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food.

Recent public exchanges involving the chair of Bord Bia, Larry Murrin, and concerns raised by the Irish Farmers’ Association (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, the farming organisation says.
Speaking on the matter, Josephine O’Neill, national president of Macra, 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.”
As ongoing issues continue to challenge Ireland’s access to world markets, the importance of Bord Bia to represent Irish food on the global stage is needed now more than ever. Continued unrest surrounding Bord Bia must be resolved to restore confidence amongst consumers and the agricultural sector, the Macra president explained.