Macra has reiterated calls for Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon to intervene and resolve the continued unrest surrounding Bord Bia and its chair Larry Murrin.

In order to protect Ireland's food reputation, constructive dialogue across the agri-food sector is needed, according to Macra.

Recent public exchanges involving the chair of Bord Bia and concerns raised by the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) have highlighted the need for "clear leadership, dialogue and engagement", Macra president Josephine O'Neill has said.

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Confidence among farmers in the institution that represents Irish food at home and abroad is essential and must be safeguarded, she added.

Reputation

"Ireland’s reputation as a trusted, high-quality food producer depends on unity, transparency, and respect throughout the sector.

"Failure to address these issues risks damaging not only farmer and consumer trust, but also Ireland’s standing on the global stage," O'Neill said.

Ireland’s food reputation, she added, 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," she said.

The importance of Bord Bia to represent Irish food is needed now more than ever

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", she concluded.