Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has written to the Taoiseach calling for the immediate resignation of Bord Bia Chairperson Larry Murrin, stating his actions undermine the damage to Irish farming and the agri-food sector.
It follows revelations that Mr Murrin's company Dawn Farm Foods sources some Brazilian beef as a raw material for products it supplies.
Bord Bia is responsible for promoting Irish food, drink and agriculture abroad.
Mr Murrin has been chair of the semi-State agency since 2024 following a competitive process.
In recent days, concerns were raised after details emerged that Dawn Farm Foods - of which he is Managing Director - uses some beef from Brazil in its products.
Dawn Farms Foods admitted that Brazilian beef accounted for 1% of the beef it supplied in 2025.
Sinn Féin has described the situation as shocking. Its party leader said, as well as highlighting safety concerns, it raises questions on conflicts of interest and the Government's oversight of key State bodies.
In a statement last night, Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon said he is aware that Mr Murrin has engaged directly with Bord Bia board members on the issues and that the operation of it is a matter for the board itself.
Irish Farmers' Association President Francie Gorman, who sits on the board of Bord Bia, said that without farmer confidence, Bord Bia cannot do its job. He added that he has conveyed his grave concerns about Brazilian beef imports to Mr Murrin.
This issue is set to be discussed at a Bord Bia meeting tomorrow morning.
