Sinn Féin’s agriculture spokesperson Martin Kenny TD has called on the CEO of Dawn Farm Foods Larry Murrin to step down as chair of Bord Bia.
Should Murrin remain on as Bord Bia chairperson, Kenny is to seek his removal by Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon.
The call came after Dawn Farm Foods told the Irish Farmers Journal that while Irish, EU and UK product accounted for 99% of the company’s beef supplies in 2025, “Brazilian beef accounted for the remaining 1%.”
“It is very shocking to hear that an Irish food processor is importing Brazilian beef into Ireland, and then to find out that the managing director of that company is also the chairperson of Bord Bia,” Kenny said.
“Bord Bia is responsible for promoting Irish food, drink and horticulture around the world and developing new markets for Irish produce.”
The Sinn Féin spokesperson on agriculture went on to refer to Bord Bia’s quality assurance schemes, stating that they ensure that “our farmers produce food to the highest quality”.
“This scheme involves increased paperwork and record keeping for farmers, ensuring that animal movements are between quality assured farms, records of what animals are fed, what vaccines or remedies are given to animals,” Kenny continued.
“It is not acceptable that the chair of Bord Bia demands these standards and regulations of Irish farmers while at the same time in his own company he sources beef from Brazil where there is little or no animal welfare standards.
“I don’t believe it is acceptable that the chair of Bord Bia Larry Murrin can remain in his position, and if he is not prepared to resign then I would call on the Minister for Agriculture to remove him from this position.”
Minister Heydon confirmed to the Irish Farmers Journal on Tuesday that Murrin has engaged with Bord Bia's board on the topic of Dawn Farm Foods' importation of Brazilian beef.
"Mr Murrin has discharged his duties as chairman of Bord Bia in a satisfactory manner to date," the minister said.
"The operation of the board of Bord Bia is a matter for the Board itself. I am however aware that Mr Murrin has engaged directly with Bord Bia board members on the issues which are being covered in the media.”
Read more
Larry Murrin has engaged with Bord Bia board on imports – Minister
Bord Bia chair in hot water over Brazilian beef imports
Sinn Féin’s agriculture spokesperson Martin Kenny TD has called on the CEO of Dawn Farm Foods Larry Murrin to step down as chair of Bord Bia.
Should Murrin remain on as Bord Bia chairperson, Kenny is to seek his removal by Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon.
The call came after Dawn Farm Foods told the Irish Farmers Journal that while Irish, EU and UK product accounted for 99% of the company’s beef supplies in 2025, “Brazilian beef accounted for the remaining 1%.”
“It is very shocking to hear that an Irish food processor is importing Brazilian beef into Ireland, and then to find out that the managing director of that company is also the chairperson of Bord Bia,” Kenny said.
“Bord Bia is responsible for promoting Irish food, drink and horticulture around the world and developing new markets for Irish produce.”
The Sinn Féin spokesperson on agriculture went on to refer to Bord Bia’s quality assurance schemes, stating that they ensure that “our farmers produce food to the highest quality”.
“This scheme involves increased paperwork and record keeping for farmers, ensuring that animal movements are between quality assured farms, records of what animals are fed, what vaccines or remedies are given to animals,” Kenny continued.
“It is not acceptable that the chair of Bord Bia demands these standards and regulations of Irish farmers while at the same time in his own company he sources beef from Brazil where there is little or no animal welfare standards.
“I don’t believe it is acceptable that the chair of Bord Bia Larry Murrin can remain in his position, and if he is not prepared to resign then I would call on the Minister for Agriculture to remove him from this position.”
Minister Heydon confirmed to the Irish Farmers Journal on Tuesday that Murrin has engaged with Bord Bia's board on the topic of Dawn Farm Foods' importation of Brazilian beef.
"Mr Murrin has discharged his duties as chairman of Bord Bia in a satisfactory manner to date," the minister said.
"The operation of the board of Bord Bia is a matter for the Board itself. I am however aware that Mr Murrin has engaged directly with Bord Bia board members on the issues which are being covered in the media.”
Read more
Larry Murrin has engaged with Bord Bia board on imports – Minister
Bord Bia chair in hot water over Brazilian beef imports
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