Members of the Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) have sought an independent review by the Charities Regulator of the association’s actions in relation to the establishment of an IVF nucleus herd.

Proposals to establish the herd, known as GenÉireann, have resulted in a serious rift emerging within the IHFA.

An extraordinary general meeting (EGM) of the IHFA is to take place on 27 November as a consequence of the differences.

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However, some breeders have taken issue with the manner in which the EGM process was handled and accused the IHFA board of misrepresenting it as an information meeting about the project.

'Clear terms'

“Instead of honouring the clear terms of the members’ request, which sought a fair, transparent discussion and vote, the IHFA board has attempted to dilute, delay and misrepresent the proposal as a mere information meeting,” the concerned members group alleged.

“In light of these issues, concerned members have now formally raised the matter with the Charities Regulator, seeking an independent review of [the] IHFA’s conduct, governance practices and communications relating to GenÉireann,” the group stated.

A statement from the IHFA to the Irish Farmers Journal on the matter said: "The board of IHFA received a request for an EGM relating to information and voting on the IVF proposal. This request was ratified and the EGM has been set for 27 November. Notice includes full text of EGM request.

"The board is very mindful of its responsibilities under corporate governance and the Charities Regulator and follows all guidelines. All IHFA members have representation on the board through the area representatives."