Up to 80 farmers staged a protest outside the constituency office of Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon this afternoon, over a decision not to remove Bord Bia Chair Larry Murrin from his role.
The protest in Newbridge was organised locally by Kildare members of the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA).
Protestors brought 14 tractors with them, which were used to line both sides of the road at the minister's constituency office, which is closed today.
The IFA, along with other farming groups, claim because Mr Murrin's company Dawn Farms has been importing Brazilian beef it creates a conflict of interest, given Bord Bia's role in promoting Irish food.
As a result, they have repeatedly called on the minister to remove the Bord Bia chair.
Minister Heydon, who has given Mr Murrin his full backing, told RTÉ News: "We had a very democratic process this week with open debates in the Dáil and Oireachtas committee debating this issue.
"The whole process clearly outlined that no rules were broken and gave full descriptions of how global trade deals that benefit Irish producers and benefit our economy."
He added that "the work of Bord Bia is really important for our farmers' incomes.
"I continue to work on the very big issues for Irish agriculture that I am very focused on, such as the ongoing CAP negotiations, bluetongue, international trade and tariffs as well as our ongoing efforts to opening new markets for our produce.
"So we move on and I’ll be working away with everyone that wants to talk to and work with me," Minister Heydon concluded.
As a result, they have repeatedly called on the minister to remove the Bord Bia chair.
However, the Government has given its full backing to Mr Murrin, saying he has done nothing wrong.
The Bord Bia Chair has also repeatedly said he intends to remain in the role.
Mr Murrin appeared before the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee on Thursday to discuss Dawn Farms' use of Brazilian beef in its products.
Following that session, the IFA said there are still questions for Mr Murrin to answer, including around the total amount of Brazilian beef imported by his company and how much poultry Dawn Farms has imported from outside the EU.
Bord Bia sit-in protest continuing
Meanwhile, six IFA members are still holding a sit-in protest in the offices of Bord Bia in Dublin over the issue. The protestors started on 26 January.
A spokesperson for Bord Bia said the protestors remain inside the premises "despite repeated requests" to leave.
In response to claims that food or water is no longer allowed to be given to the farmers inside, Bord Bia said: "On Friday, IFA members were notified that only limited services and amenities will be available to them over the weekend period.
"The six individuals who remain continue to have access to water and sanitation. They are unlawfully occupying our office, and are free to leave at any stage."
