Dublin — May 29, 2026 — Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon TD has announced a new five‑year initiative to promote farm safety awareness among children and young people. The programme, awarded to Irish Rural Link’s AgriKids, will deliver interactive safety education at agricultural shows and public events nationwide.
The AgriKids Farm Safe Roadshow will feature themed workshops, a virtual reality zone, 3D farm models, and activity tables where children can identify potential farm hazards. The initiative is part of a broader series of educational programmes in 2026 aimed at instilling a culture of safety in the next generation of farmers.
Minister Heydon emphasized the importance of early education in farm safety: “This project will help young people recognise the dangers on farms and educate them about the risks. It will not only protect children during their childhood but instil a lasting awareness of farm safety.”
AgriKids founder Alma Jordan welcomed the funding, noting that children quickly absorb safety lessons and often share them with parents, creating a ripple effect across farming families. Briain Smyth, CEO of Irish Rural Link, added that the grassroots approach ensures farm safety messages reach communities directly at agricultural shows.
The Department of Agriculture is providing €22,250 in funding for the project this year, alongside other initiatives including the Farm Safety Ambassador Programme and tractor driving safety training for teenagers.
By combining interactive learning with community engagement, the initiative aims to reduce farm accidents and build a safer future for Ireland’s farming families.
