As Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for farm safety, my goal is to ensure that our farms are safe places to live, work and visit.

I want to avail of every opportunity to remind farmers of the hazards they encounter on their farm and to encourage them to put simple measures in place to protect everyone’s safety.

Unfortunately, farming continues to be the most dangerous occupation with regard to fatalities in the workplace. It can also be a stressful occupation, particularly at busier times of the year.

I am delighted to launch Agriland’s digital farm safety series 2025, 'Farm Safe, Farm Well', in conjunction with AXA Insurance, which is co-funded by my department under the recent open call for farm safety, health and wellbeing projects.

The series will look at the challenges that farming families face and provide tips and advice on best practice when it comes to safety and highlight key areas that farmers should review to ensure that any hazards are minimised or eliminated.

Farm safety is ultimately about behaviour – how we as farmers approach our work and the decisions we make each day.

We need to decide not to take risks when we’re under pressure to get a job done – whether operating machinery, working with livestock, working at height or working with chemicals.

Agriland’s multimedia farm safety series will also focus on the importance of farmers looking after their health and wellbeing.

Afterall, farming is a physically and mentally demanding occupation and it is important that we take steps to maintain our health and wellbeing and to seek help as soon as we notice any issues.

I want to draw your attention to the very high number of fatal incidents on farms this year.

Tragically, there have been 11 confirmed farm fatalities in the first six months of this year, almost as many as in all of 2024.

Every farm fatality is a tragedy, leaving behind grieving families and communities and I extend my sympathies to those who lost loved ones and recognise the immense pain that these families, friends and communities are going through.

I also extend my support to those who are coping with serious non-fatal injuries some of which are life changing.

Since 2020, farmers over 65 years-of-age have accounted for over half of all farm fatalities. This year, nine of the 11 confirmed farm fatalities are people aged over 65.

These stark figures highlight the importance of not only older farmers, but all of us, to adjust our work practices to our physical ability, to seek help when needed, and to ensure proper maintenance of equipment.

We all must recognise that decreasing mobility and reaction time are two significant factors impacting on our safety as we get older.

We all have a part to play when it comes to reducing the number of incidents on Irish farms and to protecting our physical and mental health.

I’m urging you to play your part. Your family, your community and your farm need you.

Michael Healy-Rae.