Winners of the ABP Farm Safety category at BTYSTE 2019 announced from Cork

Adam Straub and Timmy Galvin, hailing from Bandon in County Cork, were honored with the prestigious ABP Farm Safety Award during the 2019 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) for their pioneering project titled “Q.E.A.D: Quad Emergency Alert Device”. Representing St. Brogan’s College, Bandon, the duo garnered acclaim for their inventive solution aimed at enhancing the safety of quad bike users. Their device is designed to dispatch an emergency text message with the location coordinates if a quad bike overturns, thereby directing help to the exact location via Google Maps. For the fifth year running, the ABP Food Group has proudly supported the Farm Safety category at the exhibition, consistently spotlighting innovative student projects that address the critical issue of farm safety in Ireland. Despite ongoing efforts, farm safety remains a significant concern, underscored by the fact that 15 individuals in the agricultural sector lost their lives to work-related incidents in 2018, as reported by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), making up about 40% of all workplace fatalities in Ireland that year. Martin Kane, Managing Director of ABP Ireland, extended his congratulations to Straub and Galvin, praising their project for embodying the spirit of the award category. He emphasized the importance of the initiative in promoting farm safety awareness and education, particularly among the youth. Kane highlighted the relevance of the project, given the prevalence of quad bikes on Irish farms, and reiterated the need for heightened attention to farm safety, as evidenced by the recent HSA statistics. In addition to the award, ABP showcased its commitment to sustainability at the event, featuring a stand that demonstrated the company’s food packaging process and its focus on recyclable materials. This interactive display provided attendees with insights into the recyclability of plastics used in packaging, aligning with ABP’s participation in the Plastics Action Alliance, which aims to enhance the sustainability of plastic packaging across the agri-food sector. Straub and Galvin also achieved third place in the Junior Technology Section at the BTYSTE, further showcasing their project’s impact and the broader potential of their innovative approach to improving farm safety.