The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is calling for pupils across Northern Ireland to put their artistic abilities to the test in this year’s schools’ competition.
The annual schools’ competition is open to all playgroups, pre-school, nursery, primary, and special schools in Northern Ireland.
It is held in partnership with Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend (BOIOFW) and competition sponsors, Asda.
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 the Northern Ireland landscape and continues to support its economy.
Speaking ahead of the competition launch, UFU deputy president John McLenaghan said: “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.”
‘Grow it, know it, eat it!’
On the subject of the competition’s theme, McLenaghan said: “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 Northern Ireland 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.”
McLenaghan added that schools do not need to be competition winners to visit a real working farm.
“BOIOFW is taking place on Friday, June 12 (schools’ day) and Saturday, 13 June and Sunday, June 14, 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.”
To participate in the competition, pupils will be asked to decorate picture templates (nursery, pre-school and playgroups, Primary 1 and 2), decorate a farm shop front, (Primary 3 and 4), or design a mascot (Primary 5, 6, and 7)
Special schools can participate in any of the sections.
Entry forms have been sent electronically to all playgroups, nursery, pre-school primary and special schools.
Schools’ competition templates are available on the UFU website. The closing date for entries is Friday March 27, 2026.
