UFU launch annual Open Farm Weekend schools’ competition

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) in partnership with Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend (BOIOFW) and competition sponsors Asda, are calling for pupils across Northern Ireland (NI) to put their artistic abilities to the test in this year’s schools’ competition.

The annual schools’ competition which launches today is open to all playgroups, pre-school, nursery, primary, and special schools in NI. This year’s theme ‘Grow it, know it. eat it!’, will enable pupils to gain a better understanding of the work farmers do to put high-quality food on our shelves, and learn about the generations of farming which has shaped our NI landscape and continues to support our economy.

Speaking ahead of the competition launch, UFU deputy president John McLenaghan stated, “We are delighted to announce this year’s competition as ‘Grow it, know it, eat it!’. We want to encourage creativity amongst our young people whilst showcasing the crucial part farmers play in our rural communities, by ensuring our food supply is not only sustainable, but also rooted in local practices. With this competition, students are encouraged to recognise the dedication that goes into farming, reinforcing the connection between our food, the land, and those who nurture it.

“This year’s theme will hopefully initiate conversations amongst teachers and parents about the significance of supporting local food production, our unique family farm structure in NI and the ‘Grow it, know it, eat it!’ message. The reality is that a lot of children are unaware of where their food comes from. It is very important that we change this narrative, helping pupils to understand food production, and the labour that farmers put into producing the high-quality produce that they enjoy eating daily. This will encourage parents to value local food, check labels when shopping and recognise the difference between food produced in UK and the rest of the world.”

The UFU is delighted to have the support of competition sponsor, Asda, for another year.

Joe McDonald, Head of Corporate Affairs Asda, said, “We are really looking forward to seeing the entries from schools across Northern Ireland.  It’s a great way to encourage children to think about how and where their food is produced and we are delighted to be associated once again with the UFU school’s competition.”

Mr McLenaghan added that schools don’t need to be competition winners to visit a real working farm. “BOIOFW is taking place on Friday 12 June (schools’ day) and Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 June 2026 for the public and I would urge all schools to organise an educational trip to a local participating farm on the dedicated schools’ day. The free interactive schools’ day provides pupils with the opportunity to experience life on a working farm while supporting farmers to deliver the ‘farm to fork’ story and reconnecting with consumers,” he said.

Entry forms have been sent electronically to all playgroups, nursery, pre-school primary and special schools. Schools’ competition templates are available by visiting www.ufuni.org (education tab) with further details for this year’s event. The closing date for entries is Friday 27 March 2026.

For further information contact Rebecca McClenaghan at UFU HQ on 028 9037 0222 or rmcclenaghan@ufuhq.com.