Bord Bia has confirmed that agendas for meetings of its Farmer Forum are developed in conjunction with the forum’s committee membership.

Issues affecting tillage farmers were raised by sectoral representatives at the Farmer Forum committee meetings, according to Bord Bia.

However, they were not collectively agreed by the committee as priority agenda items for discussion at the first meeting of the forum on June 29.

Niamh Bambrick, agri-sustainabilty and Farmer Forum manager, explained:

“Bord Bia has increased its involvement and engagement with the Irish tillage sector, primarily through its participation in the Food Vision Tillage Group and the development of sustainability initiatives for Irish grain.

“This work has focused on establishing a pilot combinable crop assurance scheme for the tillage sector to support growers in demonstrating the environmental credentials of their crops.”

She stated that Bord Bia remains committed to engaging on the issues facing tillage producers, similar to its engagement with other sectors.

The comments from the forum manager follow claims by the Irish Grain Growers Group (IGGG) that tillage was not given enough priority at the forum at a time when quantities of genetically modified (GM) maize and soya are coming into Ireland.

According to the lobbying body, this practice is putting Irish tillage farmers at a severe disadvantage.

IGGG also pointed to the option of importing traditional varieties of maize and soya from the US.

Farmer Forum

The Farmer Forum was formed in the wake of farmer protests earlier this year concerning controversies over imported Brazilian beef and leadership of Bord Bia board.

Its role is to give approximately 100 mixed-sector delegates a stronger voice regarding Bord Bia's policies, promotional activities, and standards.

In response to the high level of farmer interest in the new forum, a series of roadshow events are to be held later in the autumn.

In essence, the forum brings together approximately 100 active quality-assured farmers and growers, providing them with the opportunity to share constructive feedback, insight, and dialogue with Bord Bia. 

It will meet three to four times per calendar year, at a central location, with each session lasting a full day.

The new group is supported by a committee of 15 members who will develop the agenda for each session and consolidate and agree actions arising.

The committee comprises representatives from across the entire spectrum of agri stakeholder groups in Ireland, as well as farm organisations in tandem with independent farmer members.