Skip to main content
Hit enter to search or ESC to close

Narrow down your searches to:

  • All
  • Food is Living
  • Industry
  • Farmers & Growers
Top Picks
Bord Bia

A message from Bord Bia

Irish farmers and growers work hard to maintain the high standards demanded by consumers and customers in Ireland and our many export markets. In this context, the questions that have arisen in recent weeks about imports, standards, and fairness are completely understandable.

It is important that these issues are discussed with facts, context and respect.

Our approach: open, engaged and focused on dialogue

From the outset, Bord Bia has engaged openly and constructively. We have consistently sought dialogue, and we remain open to meaningful engagement at any time.

We believe strongly that conversation - not conflict - is the only way forward.

Trust in the Bord Bia Quality Mark

Bord Bia’s Quality Assurance programmes are fundamental to farmers’ livelihoods, trusted by consumers, and critical to Ireland’s reputation overseas. Recent concerns around imports have placed a spotlight on Quality Assured produce.

Facts matter:

  • The Bord Bia Quality Mark applies only to Irish farmed produce. It cannot be used on imported products.
  • Bord Bia has a robust monitoring programme in place to oversee the use of the Quality Mark, and sanctions are applied where misuse occurs.
  • These standards protect farmers by securing demand, maintaining customer confidence and supporting better returns. For example, because of these standards, Irish beef has secured access to over 100 of the EU’s top retail and foodservice customers who only buy quality assured beef.
  • Audit criteria are set to meet customer needs and legislation. Farmer representatives hold important roles on advisory committees that agree the standards.
  • The Board and Chair of Bord Bia do not set Quality Assurance criteria or make decisions on their implementation.

Bord Bia’s remit

Bord Bia works with the full spectrum of the agri-food industry from farmers and growers to small businesses and global exporters.

Our focus is on:

  • Supporting farmers through improved incomes
  • Securing value for Irish food exporters
  • Understanding the customers of Irish food
  • Opening and protecting market share

Ireland is an export-led food nation. We export food and drink to over 180 countries around the world. Trade works both ways, and many Irish food and drink companies rely on some imported ingredients. These products are not Bord Bia Quality Assured and do not carry the Bord Bia Quality Mark.

This practice does not replace or undermine quality assured Irish produce. It reflects the reality of trade and how modern, global food systems operate.

Farmers are right to say they are the bedrock of Irish agriculture. Global customers are what allow that production to be turned into income.

Both matter, and both must be respected.

The management of Bord Bia and the role of chair

The Chair is not the “head of Bord Bia”. Bord Bia is led by a CEO and a senior leadership team.

The chair and board members are not involved in day-to-day operations. The Chair is responsible for leadership of the board and ensuring its effectiveness.

Chairs are appointed for their experience of international markets, governance and the global food industry - experience that supports Bord Bia’s export mission on behalf of farmers and the wider sector.

The Chair of Bord Bia does not receive a salary or pension. While the role allows for fees, the current Chair has always waived them.

Farmer protests and disruption

Bord Bia respects the right to peaceful protest. For almost two weeks, we have facilitated the presence of protestors at our place of work and have engaged consistently in good faith to seek a resolution.

Essential deliveries, including food and medicines, continue to be facilitated. Protestors have the option to leave at any time and have been repeatedly requested to do so.

Moving forward together

We sincerely wish to move past the current impasse, from which no one is benefiting.

Bord Bia remains committed to dialogue over division, facts over misinformation and rebuilding trust.

We are eager to work together to resolve this issue in the best interests of Irish farmers and the agri-food sector.