Primary schools in Waterford are being encouraged to sign up for the AgriKids Farm Safety Ambassador Programme, which has returned for the 2027 school year.

Irish Rural Link has announced that applications are now open for the national community-led initiative, which aims to bring practical farm safety education into classrooms while strengthening links between schools and their local farming communities.

The programme, now in its third year, reached 17,000 primary school pupils across Ireland during the 2025/26 school year.

Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the programme provides teachers with resources to help educate pupils about farm safety through engaging and age-appropriate activities.

Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Niall Collins TD, said the programme would continue to make an important contribution to educating primary school children about staying safe on farms.

Schools taking part are encouraged to invite local farmers, vets, first responders and other agricultural representatives into the classroom to provide talks and demonstrations.

The aim is to give children a better understanding of farm life while encouraging them to become ambassadors for safe behaviour in their homes and communities.

Schools can choose between two formats: the AgriKids Farm Safety Hour and the AgriKids Farm Safety Day.

The Farm Safety Day offers schools three themes to choose from: Farm and Field Safety, Tractor and Machinery Safety, or Animal Safety and Wellbeing.

Schools completing one of the themed Farm Safety Days will receive a themed pennant. Those completing all three days and collecting all three pennants will receive the Farm Safety Ambassador Flag.

Schools that complete a Farm Safety Day can also apply for the AgriKids Farm Safety Ambassador Awards.

The awards recognise schools that have demonstrated a strong commitment to farm safety education, with categories including Best Farm Safety Ambassador, Best Learning Initiatives, Best Class and Best School.

Irish Rural Link CEO Briain Smyth said farm safety should be a conversation that extends beyond the farm and into local communities and homes.

Schools have until March 19th, 2027 to sign up for the programme.

Award nominations will open on March 12th, 2027, and close on May 21st, with the winners due to be announced in June.

More information is available at agrikids.ie.