Minister proposes external review to break Bord Bia protest deadlock

"I believe an external, independent and expert-led review will be crucial in resolving issues credibly and objectively. This protracted dispute is not in the best interest of the agri-food sector. I have spoken to the IFA President in recent days, and I believe there is an opportunity to bring a resolution to this."

"The Minister acknowledged that not all of IFA's concerns fall within the scope of the Farmer Forum and that he is examining the option of commissioning an external, expert-led governance review to examine the remaining strands of the IFA's submission."

"The February 13 meeting resulted in a series of agreed actions aimed at easing tensions. These include revisiting the focus on farmers' experiences of quality assurance audits, establishing the Farmer Forum to improve engagement with Bord Bia, and launching a dedicated information campaign to better explain Origin Green and the Quality Assurance Schemes."

The Minister has called on the IFA to engage in good faith and end their protest, responding to concerns outlined in their seven-point submission to Bord Bia. While many issues can be addressed through a new Farmer Forum established at a February 13 Food Vision meeting, the Minister acknowledges that not all concerns fall within its scope. He is examining an external, expert-led governance review to address remaining issues. The Bord Bia board will meet March 2 to consider this proposal and will not reconvene until the review concludes. The Minister emphasizes that detailed engagement between his Department and IFA officials has occurred, and he believes resolution is possible, noting the protracted dispute harms the agri-food sector.

Read at Irish Independent