Farm Family Council Report 2026

Activity since last National Council 

• There have been 2 farm fatalities officially recorded by HSA to date. To keep up to date on farm fatalities visit www.hsa.ie. 

• Farm Safety Week is taking place from the 20^th to 24^th of July 2026. IFA will be running a series of information posts on farm safety across social media channels, aiming to raise awareness and share practical tips with the farming community.  

• As we enter the busy farming season, it is important to remind all farmers and workers to remain safety conscious during periods of heavy workload and long hours.  

• Fatigue, rushed decisions, and poorly maintained machinery can quickly lead to serious accidents.  

• Take regular breaks, use proper protective equipment, and ensure children and visitors are kept well clear of work areas.  

• Staying alert and working safely now will help prevent injuries and save lives. 

• IFA attended Farm Safety Partnership Meeting in March.  

• The Farm Safety Partnership Tractor Safety Week starts on Monday 26^th of May. The objective of the campaign is to draw attention to the high number of serious and fatal tractor accidents the occur in Ireland every year.  

• The Health and Safety Authority’s Review of Work-Related Deaths in Agriculture in Ireland between 2016–2025 shows that 41 percent of fatal farm workplace accidents involved vehicles. 

• Of these 73 deaths, 52 percent involved tractors, 18 percent quads, 10 percent loaders or telehandlers, 7 percent trailers, and 5 percent excavators. 

• Each day during the campaign focuses on specific themes. 

• IFA have applied to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to apply for funding to carry out the IFA Farmer Health Check project in 2026. Pending funding this project will take place from June to October. 

• IFA have requested a meeting with HSA on the Code of Practice for industrial trucks.  

• IFA acknowledges the importance of mental health, particularly during busy and high-pressure times of the year.  

• Farming can be demanding and isolating, and stress can build quickly when workloads increase.  

• Looking after your wellbeing, taking breaks, and reaching out for support when needed is just as important as physical safety.  

• No one should feel they have to face challenges alone. 

• Over 15,000 free counselling sessions to be provided to men annually 

• Supports to be made available through GPs or www.yourmentalhealth.ie and though a national marketing campaign targeting men directly from September 2025 

• 2026 has been designated as the Year of Women Farmers, recognising the vital contribution women make to agriculture and rural communities. Women play a central role in farm management, decision-making, and in supporting the long-term sustainability of the sector. 

• This designation presents an important opportunity to further acknowledge and support women farmers, enhance equality and visibility within agriculture, and encourage greater participation in training, leadership, and innovation initiatives. 

• IFA will continue to prioritise this area throughout 2026, supporting actions and initiatives that recognise, promote, and strengthen the role of women in farming and rural life. 

• IFA attended Ulster Farmers Union Women in Agriculture conference. The theme of the event was Food, Health and Farming.  

• IFA attended the Department of Agriculture’s Women in Agriculture event where Carina Roseingrave from Clare was awarded Women Farmer of the year.  

• IFA attended Agri Aware Intro to Ag Fair event with special guest Kaleb Cooper.  

• SUSI applications for the student grant scheme for the 2026/27 academic year is now open. Closing dates are as follows: 

• Renewal applications: 11 June 2026  

• New applications: 9 July 2026  

• Improvements from September 2026 for eligible students will include:  

• Increase in the €500 student contribution grant threshold from €115,000 to €120,000 

• Increase in the special rate threshold from €27,400 to €28,600 

• Permanent €500 reduction in the Student Contribution charge (from €3,000 to €2,500) 

• Permanent €500 increase in the Postgraduate Fee Contribution Grant (from €4,000 to €4,500) 

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Any EU/COPA developments 

• With the year of the International Woman Farmer, IFA have attended multiple meetings with Copa-Cogeca Women’s Committee Bureau group to plan the year ahead.  

• Updates on planned events will be shared in the coming weeks.  

Upcoming Issues 

• IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs Committee will meet on Wednesday 3^rd June in the Farm Centre.