Agri Aware, the independent Irish agri-food educational body, has launched a new farm safety video, entitled ‘Once upon a farm’, aimed at communicating the many potential dangers on farms and in the countryside, to primary level students across Ireland.
Agri Aware’s ‘Once upon a farm’ drama was launched in Family Farm, developed by Agri Aware and Dublin Zoo, today by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Mr. Simon Coveney, T.D. and Minister for Education and skills, Ms. Jan O’Sullivan, T.D.
This educational and engaging farm safety film is aimed directly at primary level students, from both rural and urban areas. Supported by FBD, IFA and ESB Networks, this seven-minute film will be sent to over 3,300 primary schools across Ireland in the coming weeks to assists teachers in educating their students about the importance of farm and countryside safety.
Agri Aware Chairman, Mr. Richard Moeran explained, “Preventing farm accidents is about introducing awareness to all individuals who visit, or work on our farms. That message of safety awareness is especially important to children and the launch of this video is part of a national strategy to help prevent future tragedies.”
Agri Aware Chief Executive, Dr. Vanessa Woods, added, “Agri Aware is hugely committed to promoting and communicating the importance of farm safety to the general public of all ages. Agri Aware has worked closely with its founding patrons, FBD and IFA, in addition to ESB Networks in delivering this farm safety film. ‘Once upon a farm’ will educate students about the potential dangers associated with farms and countryside, reminding them that the farm is not a playground. ”
IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs Chairwoman, Maura Canning, said that the IFA is delighted to be part of this exciting project, which aims to make young children more aware of the dangers on farms. “IFA is steadfast in the belief that awareness and educational programmes focused on prevention, targeting young children, is the most effective way to change behaviours to safety on our farms. These young children will be the farmers of the future. By instilling an awareness of safety when they are young, we hope to reduce the number of accidents on Irish farms today and into the future.”
Fiona Muldoon, CEO at FBD commented: “As a founding patron of Agri Aware and a committed supporter of farm safety through our ongoing Champions for Change campaign, we were delighted to collaborate on Agri Aware’s latest production around child safety. A farm is a great place to be and there are lots of ways children can get involved. Indeed, there’s no point in isolating kids away from the farm because then they’d ultimately become naïve to the actual dangers that are there. Children are the leaders and farmers of the future. That’s why this new video is so important because it highlights in a very compelling and relevant way the actual dangers that exist and the reasons why children should play in safe, supervised areas, away from all hazards.”
Arthur Byrne, Public Safety Manager at ESB Networks, stated that ESB Networks is delighted to support this very important safety initiative aimed at primary school children. “Our involvement with Agri Aware is a key element of our safety educational programme ‘Stay Safe, Stay Clear’ and we greatly value this collaboration with Agri Aware, IFA and FBD. “
For more information on Agri Aware’s ‘‘Once upon a farm’ film log on to www.agriaware.ie