Department selects Agrikids to run farm safety initiative for young people

The five-year AgriKids farm safety initiative will run workshops, a virtual reality area and a 3D farm at summer shows across the country

(Left to right) James Claffery, Irish Rural Link: Alma Jordan, founder of Agrikids, and minister for agriculture Martin Heydon launching an initiative to promote farm safety awareness among children and young people at public events and shows nationwide.

A new five-year contract to promote greater awareness of farm safety among children and young people has been announced.

The contract was awarded to Irish Rural Link’s Agrikids by the department and aims to bring awareness through nationwide public events and shows.

Commenting on the announcement, minister Heydon said: “I am delighted to announce funding for this new initiative with Agrikids, who have been working with schools and communities for over 10 years to educate and empower our children and families around farm safety.

"This project is part of a series of education initiatives in 2026 which aim to teach children and young people about farm safety. This will not only help protect children throughout their childhood but, importantly, instil a culture of farm safety awareness in the next generation of farmers.” 

The AgriKids Farm Safe Roadshow will deliver farm safety activities and exhibits at agri-shows and public events, including a workshop zone, a virtual reality area, a 3D farm, and an activity table where children will be challenged to identify farm safety risks.

The department is providing funding of €22,250 for this project in 2026 as part of its dedicated farm safety budget. Founder of Agrikids, Alma Jordan, welcomed the funding commitment.

Ms Jordan said: "Our country is an agricultural one, our farms are largely family farms, so it makes sense that we include our children in this discussion and empower them with knowledge so that they may become more aware and more informed. 

"From partaking in AgriKids events and using the resources, we have seen how quickly children pick up the message and in turn share this learning with their parents and adults.” 

CEO of Irish Rural Link, Briain Smyth, said: “Bringing AgriKids to the summer agricultural shows means meeting farming families on their own ground, in the company of their neighbours. 

"Alma and her team have built something that genuinely engages, educates and empowers children to become farm safety ambassadors at home, and that is precisely the kind of grassroots work Irish Rural Link exists to champion."

This year the safety awareness programme will feature in several summer shows for 2026:

• May 30 – Belgooly Show – Cork.
• June 14 – Louth Show – Louth.
• July 2 – Clonmel Show – Tipperary.
• July 11 – Barryroe Show – Cork.
• July 15-19 – Sneem Festival – Kerry.
• July 18 – Sligo County Agri Show – Sligo.
• August 1 – Castlegregory Agricultural Show – Kerry.
• August 2 – Carrigaline Vintage – Cork.
• August 23 – Moate Agricultural Show – Westmeath.
• September 5 – Beltra Show – Sligo.
• September 6 – Scarrif Show – Clare.
• September 13 – Clonaslee Show – Laois.