Duhallow Social Farming Project Is Seeking Host Farms

By RACHEL BUDD Horticulturist at IRD Duhallow

Duhallow Social Farming provides a structured programme of farming-related activities and social inclusion opportunities for people across the spectrum of disability and mental ill health within their local communities.

The Duhallow Social Farming programme adapts to each host farm environment and the needs of each individual participant. Host farms are supported with any maintenance and on-farm safety improvements, as well as access to relevant training opportunities. Our farmers have taken part in a first aid and safeguarding vulnerable adults’ course, as well as an introduction to social farming online course.

Our Social Farming facilitator will aim to ensure that is a good match

between the participants interests, needs and capacity, and the farm and farming family. Farmers and participants will continue to be supported by the social farming facilitator while on their social farming journey.

Why get involved?

Social farming creates the opportunity for farmers to reconnect with their local communities by opening their farms as part of a social support system. The Social Farming programme can improve the farm work environment, with the participant providing the farmer with help and company. Social farming will also allow for learning opportunities for the farmer, giving them a better understanding of disabilities and improving their communication skills. Farm improvements may be another benefit for farmers, with IRD Duhallow assisting with on-farm safety upgrades for social farming activities.

For more information, please contact Rachel Budd on 029 60633 or rachel.budd@irdduhallow.com.