ICSA president Sean McNamara has said the Agri-Food Regulator must move immediately to investigate the activities of Dawn Farm Foods and that Larry Murrin must facilitate that investigation in full if he genuinely believes in transparency. “There are far too many unanswered questions surrounding Mr Murrin’s position and his links to Brazilian beef imports for farmers to be told to sit tight and wait for new powers to kick in. Farmers deserve straight answers, and they deserve them now,” he said.

Continuing, Mr McNamara said the fact that the Regulator’s new powers to compel processors to provide information do not formally come into force until 31 December cannot be used as an excuse for delay. “If Larry Murrin can stand over everything he has said publicly, then he should engage voluntarily with the Regulator and provide full and unfettered access to whatever information is required. If there is nothing to hide, there should be no resistance.”

He said that as it stands, ICSA does not believe Mr Murrin’s position is tenable. “However, if Mr Murrin believes he can remain as chair of Bord Bia, then the only credible course of action is to cooperate fully with the Regulator and allow an independent examination to take place. Anything less will simply reinforce the perception of smoke and mirrors.”

Mr McNamara said Mr Murrin may not be legally obliged to cooperate with the regulator until the end of 2026, but that is not the point. “Given the current controversy and the damage already done to Bord Bia’s standing, hiding behind future timelines is not acceptable. If Larry Murrin believes he is the right person to lead Bord Bia, then he should act now, cooperate fully with the Regulator and allow an independent examination of Dawn Farm Foods to take place. Anything less will only deepen the crisis and further undermine confidence in Bord Bia.”

ENDS