DEAR SIR: I have viewed with amazement the demolition of our industry’s reputation in the last week.

The inaccurate facts and misinformation that has remained unchallenged in the mainstream media is staggering.

I have seen it challenged by private individuals on social media whom are in our own agri bubble, but the damage that is being done to our reputation in the general public and left unchecked is totally unacceptable to me.

Put the shoe on the other foot and if we were to say anything near offside, we would find ourselves in the High Court, as has happened in the recent past.

This begs the question: why hasn’t one of our bodies which is tasked with representing our industry stepped forward? Minister, Department, Bord Bia, NDC, Teagasc, Ornua, DII and our beloved IFA and the list goes on. Asleep at the wheel? Or not fit for purpose? Or totally removed from reality? They themselves have no chips in the game, I would suggest. They get a salary, which or whether.

The lads with muck under their fingernails are the ones this will ultimately cost at the end of the day.

I think it’s time we hold some of the above to account and start dictating the direction.