Wexford IFA Raises Concerns Over Board Bia Governance Report As Dispute Continues

The Irish Farmers’ Association has raised ongoing concerns following the publication of a governance review into Board Bia, saying key issues raised by farmers remain unresolved.

The report, issued on Friday evening, was prepared by Governance Ireland and based on interviews with board members and senior executive officers. According to the IFA, no external submissions were sought or considered during the review process.

Deputy President Alice Doyle said the document contains 22 recommendations, including measures aimed at improving governance awareness and conflict of interest training within the organisation. However, she said the report does not address what she described as the “substantive issue” raised by farmers regarding the position of the current chair.

The IFA previously called for the removal of the chair over alleged conflict of interest concerns. Ms Doyle reiterated that the organisation still believes a conflict exists and that the matter remains unresolved.

The association says it will now seek a formal meeting with the Minister for Agriculture to discuss the report’s findings and the outstanding issues.

While acknowledging some positive elements in the recommendations — particularly around governance training and future oversight — the IFA says confidence between farmers and Board Bia has been damaged and will require rebuilding.

Ms Doyle also said farmers, as the main stakeholders, need stronger engagement in future decision-making processes, pointing to the establishment of a new farmer forum due to meet later this month as a potential step forward.

However, she stressed that the IFA has not ruled out further protest action, stating that all options remain open if the issues are not resolved through dialogue.

The Minister for Agriculture is expected to meet with the IFA in the coming weeks to discuss the matter further.