Wexford School Wins Farm Safety Award as AgriKids Launches Nationwide Programme

Carrigduff National School in Bunclody, Wexford has been named the Best School in the pilot of the AgriKids Farm Safety Ambassador School Programme. Minister Michael Healy-Rae awarded the school for its exceptional commitment to farm safety, a crucial initiative supported by Irish Rural Link. The programme, funded by the Department of Agriculture, aims to bring farm safety education to primary schools across Ireland.

The AgriKids programme provides teachers with farm safety resources that align with the national curriculum, encouraging schools to take a community-led approach. Teachers are encouraged to collaborate with local farmers, vets, and first responders for in-school talks and demonstrations.

Minister Healy-Rae praised the initiative, noting that fostering farm safety awareness from a young age helps make safety practices instinctive. He also emphasized the role parents play in reinforcing these lessons through good example on the farm.

The programme offers two options for schools: the AgriKids Farm Safety Hour for an introductory overview, or a more detailed AgriKids Farm Safety Day, focusing on one of three themes—Farm and Field Safety, Tractor and Machinery Safety, or Animal Safety and Wellbeing. Schools that complete all three themes can earn the Farm Safety Ambassador Flag.

Schools participating in the Farm Safety Day are also eligible for the AgriKids Farm Safety Ambassador Awards, which include cash prizes for outstanding school initiatives. Categories include Best Farm Safety Ambassador, Best Learning Initiatives, Best Class, and Best School.

Primary schools interested in participating can sign up by April 17th, 2026. Award nominations will be open from March 17th to May 31st, 2026, with winners announced in June.

For more information and to sign up, visit www.agrikids.ie.

28/01/2026. Pictured at Carrigduff National School, Bunclody, Wexford at the launch of the AgriKids Farm Safety Ambassador School Programme. The nationwide programme will provide teachers and pupils with farm safety resources that are integrated into the school curriculum and champion a community led approach to farm safety education. Schools can sign up to participate in the programme before April 17th, 2026 at www.agrikids.ie Photograph: Patrick Browne

28/01/2026. Minister Michael Healy-Rae, with Saoirse Stacey and Oran Masterson with week old lambs at Carrigduff National School, Bunclody, Wexford at the launch of the AgriKids Farm Safety Ambassador School Programme. The nationwide programme will provide teachers and pupils with farm safety resources that are integrated into the school curriculum and champion a community led approach to farm safety education. Schools can sign up to participate in the programme before April 17th, 2026 at www.agrikids.ie Photograph: Patrick Browne

28/01/2026. Minister Michael Healy-Rae, with Saoirse Stacey and Oran Masterson with week old lambs at Carrigduff National School, Bunclody, Wexford at the launch of the AgriKids Farm Safety Ambassador School Programme. The nationwide programme will provide teachers and pupils with farm safety resources that are integrated into the school curriculum and champion a community led approach to farm safety education. Schools can sign up to participate in the programme before April 17th, 2026 at www.agrikids.ie Photograph: Patrick Browne