Primary schools in County Antrim can enrol in the AgriKids Farm Safety Ambassador School Programme launched by Irish Rural Link. The initiative, backed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, targets enrolment ahead of an April 17, 2026, deadline.

Irish Minister of State for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture Michael Healy-Rae stated that farms provide good family environments but require safety as the top priority. He noted that the training builds on 2025 success to develop instinctive farm safety awareness in children from a young age. Healy-Rae added that parents must adopt best practices and model safety for their children.

Irish Rural Link CEO Seamus Boland said farming activities in Ireland have led to deaths and serious injuries. He stressed the need to deliver the safety message to classrooms and communities to promote automatic safety thinking.

Programme manager Alma Jordan explained that the programme assists educators in addressing farm safety in ways that fit curriculum demands. She said it keeps the topic relevant for students and teachers while involving the community and making serious content engaging.

Schools select between a one-hour introduction to safety topics or a full-day event focused on farm and field safety, machinery, or animal wellbeing. Completion of themes earns pennants, and all three grant a Farm Safety Ambassador Flag.

Teachers connect pupils with local farmers, vets, and emergency responders for talks and demonstrations on farm risks.

Participating schools in the full-day format enter the AgriKids Farm Safety Ambassador Awards. Categories cover best ambassador, learning initiatives, class, and school. Winners receive cash prizes. Nominations open March 17 and close May 31, 2026, with announcements in June.