An open call has been launched for farmer safety, health and wellbeing projects.

Minister of State for forestry, farm safety and horticulture, Michael Healy-Rae said this initiative will support projects in 2026 to "improve the safety, health and wellbeing of our farming community".

"Several new themes have been added to the open call this year including proposals to specifically support older farmers who are a more vulnerable group," Minister Healy-Rae said.

"Proposals are also being sought for training for working at height and hearing and sight checks, while enhanced health checks will include health behaviour change follow-ups to encourage farmers to make the necessary changes to improve and protect their health.”

Open call projects

The open call projects are being funded from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine's dedicated farm safety budget.

Proposals are sought for projects that will address the following themes and sub-themes: 

Farm safety: tractor driving awareness training for children 14 years-of-age and older; chainsaw training for farmers; working at height training for farmers;
Farmer physical health: physical health checks; hearing and sight checks;
Farmer mental health and wellbeing: mental health checks;
Supporting older farmers.

All projects funded under the open call must be completed by October 30, 2026.

Successful projects delivered in 2026 may be funded again in subsequent year(s), for a period or periods of up to 12 months, up to the end of 2029, subject to funding being available and approval by the department. 

Funding

Welcoming the open call, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon said: “Having secured €3 million in dedicated funding for this important area in Budget 2026, my department will continue to prioritise the safety, health and wellbeing of everyone involved in farming.

"This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the disproportionate risks faced by the farming community and tackling farming’s poor safety record.

"I am committed to ensuring that, over the next four years, every farmer takes the necessary measures to address the safety risks on their farms, as well as protecting and improving their physical and mental health and wellbeing.” 

The deadline for submission of applications is 5:00p.m on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. 

An information webinar on preparing open call applications will be held on Wednesday, March 11, at 10:00a.m.