Bord Bia, in partnership with the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP ) and Healthy Ireland, has launched a collaborative campaign to raise awareness among Irish farmers of the importance of protecting their skin from the sun.
From May until August, Bord Bia auditors will distribute 'SunSmart for Farmers' leaflets to all beef, dairy, and sheep farmers during their Bord Bia audit. The leaflet was developed especially for Irish farmers by the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP ), and this is the second year Bord Bia has supported the initiative.
“Bord Bia auditors will visit thousands of farmers this summer, and we are pleased to use this opportunity to support the HSE and Healthy Ireland’s annual SunSmart campaign," said Muireann Baker, agricultural sustainability co-ordinator with Bord Bia. "Through our access to the farming community, we hope to raise awareness among farmers of the importance of sun safety and reduce their risk of skin cancer.”
With approximately 780 farms visited weekly by Bord Bia auditors, the campaign will reach over 12,000 farmers during the peak UV exposure season.
“Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland, with those working outdoors particularly at risk," Ann-Marie Lawlor, senior health promotion and improvement officer with the HSE, added. "Through this joint initiative with Bord Bia, we’re placing life-saving advice directly in farmers’ hands. Small protective habits today can make a big difference for long-term health.”
Ross Crowe, farmer and SunSmart ambassador, pointed out that farmers are exposed to up to three times more UV rays compared with people who work indoors, putting them at greater risk of developing skin cancer. "I’m glad to support this campaign and encourage other farmers to protect themselves from the sun every day, whether out in the field, inside the tractor cab, or on a cloudy day,” he added.
This campaign forms part of the HSE and Healthy Ireland’s wider SunSmart awareness efforts, encouraging people across Ireland to enjoy the sun safely and reduce their risk of skin cancer.
