Call for Interested Farmers to Get Involved in Social Farming

Social Farming Ireland is currently seeking farmers interested in hosting people, who are socially, physically, mentally, or intellectually disadvantaged, on their farms to help them socialise in the local community and gain confidence to develop their full potential.

Farmers across the country, particularly in counties Laois, Louth, Offaly, and Monaghan are strongly encouraged to join the new intake for the programme. People visiting farms typically spend a fixed amount of time on site participating in activities they may be interested in such as tending to livestock or gardening or indoor activities such as baking bread or jam making. The programme essentially seeks to build relationships between farmers and/or farm families and individuals who may benefit from the therapeutic and supportive environment of a farm setting.

Social Farming Ireland provides free introductory training sessions for interested farmers, providing details about the programme, its benefits, and the process of becoming a social farmer. Two upcoming online training sessions are scheduled for February 2024, with ongoing support provided by the Social Farming Ireland team through locally based Regional Development Officers.

Farmers who are interested in participating in social farming can express their interest by contacting Social Farming Ireland through their website. More information is also available by telephone 071 9641772 or email at socialfarming@ldco.ie.