Primary schools nationwide can now sign up for the AgriKids Farm Safety Ambassador Programme – a popular initiative that brings practical, curriculum-embedded farm safety education into classrooms, while strengthening connections with local farming communities.
Now in its third year, Irish Rural Link made the announcement, with the initiative reaching a total of 17,000 primary school pupils nationwide in 2025/26 and provided participating teachers with the tools to educate students about farm safety through engaging, age-appropriate resources.
Speaking about the programme, which is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Niall Collins TD, urged all primary schools to avail of the programme, which he said would “continue to make an important contribution to educating primary school pupils on keeping safe on farms”.
COMMUNITY IN THE CLASSROOM
Through the initiative, schools are encouraged to bring real-world learning opportunities to classrooms by reaching out to local farmers, veterinarians, first responders and other agri representatives to deliver in-school talks and demonstrations. This approach helps children understand the realities of farm life while empowering them to become ambassadors for safe behaviours at home and in their communities.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
The programme offers participating schools two flexible formats, the AgriKids Farm Safety Hour and the more immersive AgriKids Farm Safety Day, to embed farm safety into the curriculum.
The Farm Safety Hour offers a concise, introductory framework for farm safety, covering specific topics supported by resources available on the AgriKids website.
Alternatively, schools can run a Farm Safety Day, choosing one of three themes for their day: Farm and Field Safety, Tractor and Machinery Safety, or Animal Safety and Wellbeing.
On completion of one of the specific days, the participating schools will earn one themed pennant. When schools complete three Farm Safety Days and collect all three pennants, they will receive the prestigious Farm Safety Ambassador Flag.
Schools that choose to run a Farm Safety Day are also eligible to apply for the AgriKids Farm Safety Ambassador Awards.
HOW TO APPLY
Schools can sign up to participate in the programme here ahead of the closing date of March 19th, 2027. For eligible schools that take part in the programme, award nominations open on 12th March, 2027 and close on May 21st, 2027, with winners announced in June.
Visit www.agrikids.ie for more information on the initiative.
