Health and Safety Training Drive Targets Farmers Across Ireland
Published on 08/27/2026 at 03:27 | Editorial boerse-global.de
Agricultural bodies have launched a nationwide series of free health and safety training sessions for farmers, starting with a workshop in County Cork this week. The initiative, funded by the Department of Agriculture, is designed to help farmers running open days and public events meet their safety obligations — a growing concern as farm tourism and on-farm events become more common.
Free Workshops Roll Out Across the Country
The first session takes place in Rathcormac, County Cork, on August 27, 2026, and will be facilitated by Jim Dockery. It covers the safety protocols farmers need when hosting members of the public on their property.
Further workshops are planned over the coming weeks, with sessions in Wexford on August 30, Roscommon on September 4, Galway on September 10, and Cavan on September 30. To widen access, the programme also includes 10 online sessions for those unable to attend in person.
Generational Renewal Week Set for September
Teagasc, the national agriculture and food development authority, has scheduled a Generational Renewal Week for the second week of September. The programme features webinars and farm walks, including a dairy farm visit at the Kennedy farm in Nenagh and a session with the Tyner family in Wicklow.
More than 50 advisers will also visit schools to discuss the future of the industry, encouraging the next generation to consider careers in farming.
Global Push to Tighten Agricultural Safety
The Irish initiative reflects a broader international trend towards stricter regulation and better training across the sector. In Kenya, Agriculture Minister Kagwe has reported a 95% reduction in illegal pesticide imports, following enhanced border controls.
The Pest Control Products Board has removed 77 products from the market and restricted 202 others, with a further 151 under review. Enforcement funding has been boosted, with the board's budget rising to KSh216 million for 2024 and an additional KSh350 million requested.
In Nigeria, Governor Alia of Benue State has announced plans to convert the Agricultural Training Centre in Mbatie into a tertiary education institution. The move is intended to formalise the training of agricultural extension workers, with the state's works and education commissioners overseeing the development.
Machinery safety is also receiving attention in Asia. Authorities in Binzhou have run their third training session of the year for 41 agricultural machinery operators, focusing on maintenance and accident prevention. Meanwhile, officials in Muan-gun have concluded a safety seminar for members of a rural leadership group.
Technical Clinics and Certification Opportunities
Professional development is also on offer in North America and Europe this week. Nebraska Extension is hosting a Crop Production and Soil Health Clinic on August 27, 2026, at the ENREEC facility in Ithaca. Participants can earn seven Certified Crop Adviser credits, with topics ranging from biochar and cover crops to insect management and soil fertility.
In Dublin, a SOLAS Safe Pass course is being held at the Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport on August 27, 2026. The mandatory training covers health and safety legislation, manual handling, and requirements for working at heights — essential knowledge for anyone working on construction sites.
West Cork Farming Awards Recognise Excellence
Amid the focus on safety, regional production standards have also been celebrated. The Helen family of West Cork received the August West Cork Farming Awards for their pedigree Holstein herd. Their top-performing cow, Eedy Doorman Fame, was named the highest classified in the country, with the farm reporting an average production of 9,226 litres per cow — well above national averages for milk solids.
