So much of the last six weeks has been taken up with farm safety. Farmers do not want a repeat of the high rate of fatalities in 2014 and have never been more engaged in making changes so that their farms are safer places to work and live.

The response to the SAVE LIVES campaign has been very positive from farmers and agri-businesses alike, with more people wanting to get involved to encourage farmers to always think safety first.

There has been a lot of talk recently about linking farm safety inspections with payments. IFA is strongly opposed to any such link and believes it has become an unnecessary distraction in the debate on farm safety. IFA has always advocated the carrot rather than the stick and that is at the heart of the SAVE LIVES campaign.

The latest research from Teagasc shows that behaviour and age are the greatest contributing factors to farm accidents. We must focus our efforts to create greater awareness of the risks, support farmers to make changes through training and grants like the Farm Safety Scheme and encourage the adoption of safer working practices.

We cannot underestimate the impact of stress and tiredness on farm safety. Farming is different to any other enterprise. It is a 24/7 operation that takes place typically near the family home.

The authorities must be more understanding of the realities of family farming and work with farmers to improve working practices. They must learn from international experiences, which have shown that increased regulation has had limited impact on changing behaviour and reducing farm accidents.

Green Ribbon

Work has started on the Green Ribbon campaign to get Ireland talking about mental health this May.

The aim is to make the month of May synonymous with encouraging an open conversation on mental health.

Just like the pink ribbon has become a powerful symbol for breast cancer awareness, it is hoped that the green ribbon will become a symbol for challenging the stigma of mental health problems. I will keep you posted on our plans to promote the Green Ribbon campaign. Time to get the thinking cap on.

Dinner Dance

Seamus and I had a really enjoyable night at the IFA Kerry 60th dinner dance recently. It was lovely to get a chance to visit the Kingdom and celebrate with new friends.

Tegan is all excited as our local camogie team, Mullagh, have made it to the All-Ireland senior camogie final for the first time since 1991. While Craig can’t wait for May when he can get his provisional licence and get driving on the roads around Gurtymadden.