The Irish Food Council has confirmed that the first meeting of the Bord Bia Farmers’ Forum took place today (Monday 29 June).
The Farmers’ Forum was established in the wake of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) protests earlier in the year in relation to Bord Bia chairman Larry Morin.
In a statement, Bord Bia Farmers Forum Director, Niamh Bambrick, said: “Nearly 100 farmers from across the country gathered today for the inaugural Bord Bia Farmers Forum, representing a wide mix of businesses, ages and regions.”
“The agenda has been set in advance by the Farmers’ Forum Committee, which includes representatives of agricultural organizations along with independent farmer representatives,” Bambrick added.
She said that today’s discussions focused on “three main topics”: the role of Bord Biya; Farm Assurance Plans; Enhancing and developing the market.
“The group spent nearly four hours discussing these topics, with participants sharing a wide range of viewpoints and practical suggestions,” Bambrick said. “We appreciate the time and openness shown by everyone who participated.”
She added: “Bord Bia, in collaboration with the Farmers’ Forum Committee, will review the comments over the coming days and consider how they can help shape future engagement.”
“We will also think about the format of the day and are happy to develop it based on participants’ feedback.
“This was the first Bord Bia Farmers’ Forum, and we believe it was a positive first step in creating an ongoing and constructive dialogue with farmers,” Bambrick said.
Farmers Forum Tours
Last month, Bord Bia She said she would expand participation In the Farmers Forum initiative due to “strong interest”.
The government body said that the Farmers’ Forum received a large number of applications from farmers and farmers wishing to participate.
In response to the level of interest, the Irish Food Council said it was reviewing its approach “to ensure that all members who apply to participate in the Farmers’ Forum can do so”.
To accommodate all qualified applicants, the state body is scheduled to hold a “regional roadshow” for the Farmers Forum this fall. These events will be held in addition to the Farmers’ Forum Assemblies.
Speaking last month, Bord Bia CEO Jim O’Toole said: “We appreciate the strong desire among members to engage with Bord Bia. To allow for constructive discussion and feedback, the number of participants in the first meeting was capped at 100 people.”
“However, we are eager to accommodate the hundreds of farmers and ranchers who have expressed interest in being part of the forum,” O’Toole added.
