IFA calendar distributed to over 760 primary schools

THE 2024 IFA calendar has been distributed to over 760 primary schools around the country, in an initiative to promote the work of farm families among schoolchildren who may not be familiar with farming.

Each year, IFA produces its calendar, which showcases the magic of rural Ireland. It’s hugely popular and hangs in kitchens around the country.

The calendar is structured to reflect the farming calendar year. It is an excellent visual aid for conversations around seasonality, food production, farming, and Ireland’s climate.

Members of the public submit the images that feature in each month of the year.

The calendar is extremely popular amongst children as the images featured are predominantly of animals. Additionally, it highlights the dates of significant sporting occasions, holidays and events throughout the year, both in Ireland and internationally.

Through the Agri Aware network, over 760 schools across the country placed an order for up to eight calendars, so more than 4,000 calendars have been distributed.

IFA President Francie Gorman paid a visit to principal Finbar McDermott, from St Cillian’s National School, Robinhood Road, Bluebell,

Dublin 12.

With just 30 pupils, the school, which is across the road from the Irish Farm Centre, is the smallest in Dublin city.

The school first opened in 1934 and is marking its 90th anniversary this year.

Francie Gorman said, “At a time when we are seeing an ever-increasing disconnect between consumers and food producers, IFA hopes this initiative will lead to conversations in schools about food production and our proud farming tradition, which continues to be Ireland’s largest indigenous sector.”