Louth TD calls for 'meaningful' dialogue to resolve Bord Bia dispute

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Says legitimate questions on the standard of the Brazilian beef imported and impact on Irish family farms remain unanswered

Louth Fianna Fáil TD, Erin McGreehan, has called for meaningful dialogue between all stakeholders following the appearance of the Chair of Bord Bia before the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee.

Deputy McGreehan said she attended the hearing to hear directly from the Chair, following ongoing engagement with farming families in Louth who have been raising concerns.

In comments on Friday, Deputy McGreehan said, “yesterday I attended the Oireachtas Committee hearing on Bord Bia. I felt it was important to be present, to hear directly what was said and to represent the farming families who have been raising their concerns with me.”

Having listened to the discussion in full, Deputy McGreehan said she does not believe the appearance resolved the issues that have emerged. She said the strength of feeling among farmers is both real and deeply personal.

“Over recent weeks I have spoken to many farming families. The level of upset and anger is very real. For people whose livelihoods and futures depend on Ireland’s premium food reputation, this issue cuts deeply.”

Deputy McGreehan said that she accepts there were time constraints but feels that legitimate questions on the standard of the Brazilian beef imported and the impact on Irish family farms remain unanswered.

However, she added, her focus is on engagement. “The only way we get through this is by sitting down together and talking it through.” Deputy McGreehan said unity across the sector is critical at a time of wider pressures.

“We are facing major challenges already, from disease threats such as Bluetongue to hugely important CAP negotiations that will shape farming for years to come. The last thing the sector needs is internal division at a time when unity and focus are essential.”

Reiterating the need for structured dialogue, Deputy McGreehan further added, “Irish farmers are the foundation of our food reputation internationally. Protecting that reputation means rebuilding trust.

"Now that positions have been set out, all sides must enter into constructive dialogue to restore confidence and find practical solutions.”