17 April 2025 | Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
By: Government of Ireland | Source: gov.ie/farmsafety
Ireland’s farming community is set to benefit from a renewed national effort to tackle farm safety and promote wellbeing, as Ministers Martin Heydon TD and Michael Healy-Rae TD jointly announced a new open call for farmer safety, health, and wellbeing projects, backed by €2.5 million in dedicated funding.
The initiative builds on the momentum of a similar scheme launched last year and is funded through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s farm safety budget.
“Farming remains Ireland’s most dangerous occupation when it comes to workplace fatalities,” said Minister of State for Farm Safety, Michael Healy-Rae, acknowledging the serious physical and mental pressures farmers face. “This open call is about backing practical projects that reduce risk and promote better physical and mental health across the sector.”
Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon echoed this focus on impact, stating:
“This funding continues our commitment to initiatives that enhance safety and wellbeing in rural life. We want to empower stakeholders to deliver targeted solutions that work on the ground.”
🔍 What Projects Will Be Funded?
Applicants may submit proposals aligned with one or more of the following areas:
- Farm safety practices and training
- Physical health initiatives for farmers
- Mental health and wellbeing services
- Health check programs (physical and mental)
- Tractor awareness training (for children 14+)
- Chainsaw safety training for farmers
- Public engagement or outreach events focused on safety/wellbeing
This year’s open call seeks collaborative, evidence-based initiatives that can deliver real, measurable outcomes for the farming community.
📩 How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by Monday, 19 May 2025
Submissions can be made via email or post:
Email: [email protected]
Post:
Crop Policy, Evaluation & Certification Division
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Backweston Administration Building, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
🔗 Application materials and full specifications are available at: gov.ie/farmsafety
📌 Why This Matters
According to national data, farm-related fatalities remain disproportionately high in Ireland, with machinery and livestock incidents posing persistent risks. At the same time, mental health challenges in rural areas often go under-addressed. This funding aims to provide not just safety solutions but holistic support for farmer wellbeing.
