Bord Bia, in partnership with the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and Healthy Ireland, has launched a collaborative campaign to raise awareness among Irish farmers of the importance of protecting their skin from the sun.
From 22nd May until 31st August, Bord Bia auditors will distribute ‘SunSmart for Farmers’ leaflets to all beef, dairy, and sheep farmers during their Bord Bia audit. The leaflet was developed especially for Irish farmers by the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), and this is the second year Bord Bia has supported the initiative.
“Bord Bia auditors will visit thousands of farmers this summer, and we are pleased to use this opportunity to support the HSE and Healthy Ireland’s annual SunSmart campaign,” Muireann Baker, Agricultural Sustainability Co-ordinator with Bord Bia commented. “Through our access to the farming community, we hope to raise awareness among farmers of the importance of sun safety and reduce their risk of skin cancer.”
With approximately 780 farms visited weekly by Bord Bia auditors, the campaign will reach over 12,000 farmers during the peak UV exposure season.
Ross Crowe, farmer and SunSmart ambassador added: “As farmers, we’re exposed to up to three times more UV rays compared with people who work indoors, putting us at greater risk of developing skin cancer. I’m glad to support this campaign and encourage other farmers to protect themselves from the sun every day, whether out in the field, inside the tractor cab, or on a cloudy day.”
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland with over 11,000 cases annually – many of which are preventable. This campaign forms part of the HSE and Healthy Ireland’s wider SunSmart awareness efforts, encouraging people across Ireland to enjoy the sun safely and reduce their risk of skin cancer.
Visit www.hse.ie/sunsmart for more information and tips on staying safe in the sun.
