Irish agriculture and sustainably produced Irish food produce will be the focus at the inaugural Agri Aware Day which takes place this Sunday 4 August at the Family Farm at Dublin Zoo.

Developed by Agri Aware and Dublin Zoo, the Family Farm will feature a feast of demonstrations and information on agriculture and food production for families of all ages.  Visitors can also sample quality Irish dairy, fruit and vegetable produce and participate in guided tours of the farm.

Agri Aware’s two CAP Agri Ambassadors will also be on hand to explain the benefits of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in delivering safe, quality food and in underpinning a vibrant agri-food sector that supports the economy, job creation and exports.

The ambassadors have been appointed as part of a comprehensive Agri Aware information campaign on the CAP.  The multi-faceted campaign, which is co-financed by the EU Commission’s Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development and supported by Agri Aware’s patrons, the IFA and FBD, will run until early 2014.

The recently launched Agri Aware Farm and Countryside Safety Initiative will also be featured and visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a workshop on staying safe on farms and in the countryside.

Announcing details of the Agri Aware Day, Agri Aware chairman Bernard Donohue said the Family Farm, which was developed by Agri Aware and Dublin Zoo in 2011, has been a resounding success in communicating the story of Irish farming and food to a wide audience.

“The Family Farm took the top prize in the European Commission’s communications award which was presented at the end of 2012 to mark the 50th anniversary of the CAP.  This was a huge international achievement.  I am delighted that a member of the European Commission will be among our special guests at Agri Aware Day on Sunday,” said Mr Donohue.

Agri Aware Day – A glimpse of what’s on offer

 ·         Meet “Suzie Strawberry” and “Ciara Carrot” from Agri Aware’s nationwide Incredible Edibles programme for primary schools

·         See Bella the Family Farm cow being milked

·         Participate in farm tours conducted by Agri Aware CAP Agri Ambassadors

·         Art workshops and face painting

·         Sample quality Irish dairy and fruit and veg produce