IFA Ends Protest at Bord Bia as Governance Review Begins

BREAKING: The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has officially ended its protest at the Bord Bia headquarters as of March 2, 2026. This decision comes after an agreement to initiate a governance review concerning issues raised by the IFA in recent weeks.

A spokesperson for Bord Bia confirmed that the board convened today to discuss proposals aimed at resolving the ongoing situation. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will commission an independent governance review, which is expected to be completed by April 30, 2026. During this review, Larry Murrin, the current chair of Bord Bia, will remain in his position but will not preside over board meetings.

“In the interests of moving forward, the board and the chair have agreed that these meetings will be facilitated by another current board member,”

the spokesperson stated.

The protest, which lasted for 28 days, was sparked by concerns over Murrin’s company, Dawn Farm Foods, importing 1% of its beef supply from Brazil last year. Members of the IFA, including Donegal resident Christine Friel, who occupied the lobby for nearly a month, have now vacated the premises.

This abrupt end to the protest signifies a critical moment for both the IFA and Bord Bia, highlighting the urgent need for transparency and accountability within the agricultural sector. As the governance review unfolds, stakeholders will be closely monitoring developments to ensure the interests of farmers are prioritized.

The IFA’s decision to stand down is a pivotal step toward dialogue and resolution, but it also reflects the heightened tensions within the agricultural community. With the review set to commence immediately, all eyes will be on the findings and recommendations that emerge, impacting the future of Bord Bia and its leadership.

Stay tuned for real-time updates as this developing story unfolds and the review process progresses.