The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association is organizing Kids FarmSafe Week from May 11 to 17 to raise awareness about farm safety for children and youth. The national initiative highlights the importance of protecting young people while supporting the long-term future of agriculture.
Kids FarmSafe Week is now in its third year and continues to reach farm families workers and rural communities. The campaign encourages everyone involved in agriculture to take responsibility for creating safer farm environments for children.
Safety concerns remain serious as Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting data shows that 435 children and youth died due to farming related incidents between 1990 and 2020. Children aged one to four years were most at risk, which shows why early education is critical.
“Even one child or youth harmed in a farm-related incident is far too many. That is why we must come together as an industry to ensure the safety of kids on our farms is always a top priority,” said Sandra Miller, CASA’s Executive Director.
“Kids FarmSafe Week serves as a reminder about the importance of teaching safety lessons from an early age and making proactive risk prevention a guiding principle on farms so that our young people are protected today and empowered to lead the agricultural sector tomorrow,” said Sandra.
During the week CASA highlights daily safety themes such as machinery safety road and rail awareness, animal safety safe recreation and building confidence among farm kids. These topics address common dangers children face on farms.
The campaign also includes an online forum where families can learn practical tips for raising children safely in agricultural settings. A farm safety colouring contest adds an interactive learning element that helps children understand safety in a fun way.
“Supporting a safety-first mindset from a young age is about giving children the awareness and confidence to make smart decisions on their farm,” said Tabetha Boot, Head of Communications and Industry Relations for BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada; BASF is the presenting sponsor of Kids FarmSafe Week. “Through BASF Safety Scouts, and our support of Kids FarmSafe Week and CASA, we’re proud to continue to help farm families turn safety conversations into everyday habits.”
BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada is the presenting sponsor of Kids FarmSafe Week. BASF supports farm safety through partnerships with CASA including educational kits, online materials and the BASF Safety Scouts program.
Kids FarmSafe Week reminds farm families that safety education awareness and teamwork are essential to keeping children safe and farms strong.
A new teaching kit sponsored by BASF, Journey Through FarmLand, is an adventure game filled with safe spaces and hazards!
Kids FarmSafe Week serves as a reminder that keeping children safe on farms requires education awareness and strong partnerships across the agricultural community.
Photo: Journey Through FarmLand Game Kit.
Photo Credit: CASA