Minister for Agriculture and Food, Martin Heydon has said Larry Murrin will continue to serve as chairman of Bord Bia and that he has his "full confidence".
His comments follow an emergency meeting of the board that took place earlier today.
This emergency meeting was called for by one of the 14 board members, President of the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) Francie Gorman.
The three-hour meeting focused on concerns about the role of Mr Murrin as chair of Bord Bia - which is responsible for promoting Irish food and ensuring high standards - after it emerged that Mr Murrin's company Dawn Farms has been using some Brazilian beef in its meat products.
Mr Murrin has been under increasing pressure with calls within political circles and the agri-food sector to step down.
Bord Bia issued a statement after the meeting this afternoon to say that after a considered discussion, the board had reached an outcome to support Mr Murrin as chairman of Bord Bia.
However, support was not unanimous with the two farming organisations represented on the board calling for his removal.
'In the best interests of Bord Bia'
Mr Gorman,said he asked the chairman to step down but "it was quite obvious that wasn't going to happen".
Other farmers had gathered outside Bord Bia offices to protest, saying confidence and trust in Bord Bia has been damaged and that there is a conflict of interest if Mr Murrin remains as chairman.
Mr Murrin told RTÉ News the he expects to remain in the position and described the meeting as constructive.
He said the board expressed their opinions but he would not be drawn on questions around the call made for his removal.
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When asked about the concerns raised about the revelations and the perception of a conflict of interest, he said everything has a context and none of these are new facts.
He said the facts are well understood by board members.
It is understood that most board members support him remaining as chairman.
A detailed report on today's meeting and the issues raised has been sent to Minister Heydon.
In a statement tonight, Minister Heydon said the board had "a good and thorough discussion" of the issues covered in the media in recent days, and that the majority of board members were fully supportive of the chair continuing to serve.
Minister Heydon acknowledged the concern raised by farmers and has sought to reassure them.
He said: "I completely understand the emotion for farmers when it comes to issues associated with the integrated nature of food supply around the globe.
"Recent debates around the Mercosur trade deal highlight Irish farmers unease for imported product from outside of the EU.
"We also must recognise that as a food producing island we export 90% of that food and drink product and we depend on that very integrated trade. The work of Bord Bia is critical to that success."
He went on to say that it would be irresponsible to " just follow emotion" in relation to the media reports this week regarding the chairman of Bord Bia when no rules were broken by him or his company.
Minister Heydon said: "As Chair of the Board of Bord Bia, Mr Murrin's role is to provide innovative strategic leadership and direction to ensure the continued growth of Ireland’s most important indigenous sector, promoting and marketing Ireland’s global reputation as a leading source of sustainable food, drink and horticulture products.
"Mr Murrin has ably contributed to those objectives during his tenure as chair, informed by his years of experience in the food business."
He said this contribution is evident in the strong work done by Bord Bia and the benefit of Origin Green in the exponential value growth of exports.
Minister Heydon said he understands that farmers are feeling under pressure from a variety of issues.
"I want to assure them that my Department and Bord Bia, are doing everything possible to support them. Origin Green and the Quality Assurance system on which it is built, delivers significant benefits for its farmer members, in ensuring that our quality Irish food and drink rightly has a place in the premium market segments in countries around the world," he said.
He added: "It is important to state that I have always backed the farming community, most recently in backing the recent 'no’ Government vote on the Mercosur trade deal and before that in fighting for and retaining the nitrates derogation.
"I believe that Bord Bia’s contribution to record year on year increase in the value of Irish Food & Drinks produce must be protected, in the best interests of the farmers who produce that product. "
