Leitrim TD says government took too long to address Bord Bia concerns

The decision by the IFA to stand down its protest at Bord Bia while an independent review of governance takes place has been welcomed by Leitrim TD and Sinn Féin spokesperson on Agriculture and Food, Martin Kenny.

“The ending of the protest at Bord Bia is welcome news. I want to commend the farmers for their dedication and determination to protect food standards. This agreement to hold an independent review of governance gives space to work on the underlying issues and establish principles for the future of the industry,” said Deputy Kenny.

He described it as “regrettable” that the Minister and Larry Murrin took ‘so long’ to recognise that there are issues in relation to conflicts of interest and governance at Bord Bia.

“Farmers have enough to be doing at home on their farms, especially this time of year, without having to be camped outside Bord Bia protesting,” he added.

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“The farmers stood firm in the face of a government that tried to talk down to them by suggesting that they somehow didn't understand how big business deals work.”

Deputy Kenny continued by saying this is about protecting Irish agriculture and its reputation as food producers on the world stage. “There is no place for double standards, and there is no place for Brazilian beef in Ireland,” he added.

“With the news last week that Ursula Von Der Leyen is going to provisionally implement Mercosur, Irish agriculture is facing further challenges.

“The Minister and the government must stand up for Irish farmers and challenge this provisional implementation of Mercosur,” Deputy Kenny concluded.

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