Farm Family Council Report July 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 took place from the 20^th to 24^th of July 2026. IFA ran a series of information posts on farm safety across social media channels, aiming to raise awareness and share practical tips with the farming community. 
  • Minister Niall Collins TD officially launched the week at Grange Teagasc Beef Open day. 
  • A farm safety video featuring Nick Dunican speaking about his farm accident involving a combine harvester.
  • IFA supported a dedicated farm safety feature in the Irish Farmers Journal with FBD.
  • A farm safety hub was developed on the IFA website to showcase the events, highlight the most up to date farm safety statistics, provide resources and promote to work of the Farm Family committee relating to farm safety.
  • A daily social media campaign was launched during farm safety week which encouraged farmers to improve farm safety on their farms. 
  • An updated farm safety leaflet (enclosed) was launched in partnership with FBD featuring the most up to date research and statistics on farm accidents and fatalities and advice on how to avoid the risk of farm accidents.
  • IFA took part in several radio interviews to promote FSW.
• IFA Farmer Health Check Project has commenced around the country. Please visit www.ifa.ie/healthcheck to view the list of locations/dates over the coming weeks.
• 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.
• Embrace Farm Remembrance Service took place on Sunday 28th of June at 2pm in Abbeyleix, Co Laois. A notable event in the farming calendar, acknowledging the suffering of those who have survived farm accidents and providing a place for farm families to remember loved ones who have died suddenly.
• The Farm Safety Partnership Tractor Safety Week took place 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 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 held a Field of Her Own event on Shannon Porters Farm, Co Donegal in May to recognise the importance of Women in Agriculture. 
• IFA held a Field of Her Own event in Coolamber House and Gardens, Co Westmeath on the 23^rd of July. This event was to highlight the importance of women in agriculture, working in the agricultural industry.

Any EU/COPA developments

• With the year of the International Woman Farmer, IFA has 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. 
• IFA Farm Family Chair Teresa Roche attended Washington DC for the ACE Summit to mark the international year of the woman farmer.

Upcoming Issues

• IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs Committee will meet on Wednesday 2^nd September in the Irish Farm Centre.