Hundreds of farmers attended a meeting in Co Mayo last night to discuss the ongoing dispute between farmers and Bord Bia.
The public meeting, organised by the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA), was held in the McWilliam Park Hotel in Claremorris.
Since 26 January, members of the IFA have been protesting outside Bord Bia's Dublin headquarters in a bid to have the Chairperson of the semi-State agency, Larry Murrin, removed from his role.
Farmers claim that because Mr Murrin's company Dawn Farms has been importing some Brazilian beef for use in its products, this creates a conflict of interest - given Bord Bia's role in promoting Irish food.
In addition to the protest outside Bord Bia offices, five IFA members are staging a sit-in protest inside the building.
The five protestors joined the Claremorris meeting via a video link, which led to loud applause and cheers from those attending.
IFA Connacht Regional Chair Brendan Golden said "not every farmer can get to Dublin to support the protest at Bord Bia" and the Mayo meeting was "an opportunity for farmers in the region to make their voice heard".
IFA President Francie Gorman and the organisation's Deputy President Alice Doyle also attended, along with public representatives including Independent Ireland TD Michael Fitzmaurice.
The Government has given Larry Murrin its full support, maintaining he has done nothing wrong.
