To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what actions his Department is taking to highlight the importance of farm safety amongst young farmers.

The Young Farmers Clubs’ of Ulster (YFCU) and my Department are two of the organisations that are members of the Farm Safety Partnership (FSP). A key focus for the FSP is encouraging behavioural change especially amongst our young farmers.

As part of an ongoing research project on farm safety which has been commissioned by my Department, a survey was completed with the YFCU to determine the attitudes of their members to risk and behaviours whilst working on farm. The results of this survey will be used to develop further training with the aim of promoting a culture of farm safety.

My Department is also providing funding of £270,000 to the YFCU for the delivery of a targeted three year educational programme. A key element of this programme is the delivery of farm safety training to club members and refresher training to their Farm Safety Mentors.

Promoting a culture of farm safety is a high priority across all programmes that are delivered through the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE).

All new full-time, Further Education agriculture students participate in the Yellow Wellies Farm Safety initiative which is delivered by the Farm Safety Foundation. Health and safety is also a key feature of all practical activities undertaken by students during their course at CAFRE. In addition, the education and training provision on the safe operation of machinery at CAFRE has been further enhanced through the use of simulated driving technology.

During July and August each year CAFRE provides a tractor driving training course for 13 to 16 year old young people. This course includes Health and Safety, Legal requirements, Safe use of tractors on the farm, and how to safely use trailers and other implements. Courses for summer 2021 are currently being organised and will commence in July.

My Department, provides sponsorship for the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland’s (HSENI) Farm Safety Calendar which is used to promote the Farm Safety message amongst school children and farm families. Anecdotal evidence from the HSENI has shown that school children quickly learn the farm safety message and often challenge poor farm safety behaviours from their parents, siblings or other family members.

My Department will continue to ensure health and safety remains embedded within its training provision and will work collaboratively with the YFCU to help drive home the importance of farm safety and develop a safety-first culture on our local farms. It is however, the farmers and those living and working on our farms that must put into practice those actions that are required to minimise or eliminate the risks of serious injury or death on our farms.