Rural Support’s Social Farming Standards launched

Social Farming is an innovative use of agriculture to promote therapy, rehabilitation, social inclusion, education and social services in rural areas. It is a unique on-farm support service that recognises the need to offer community-based choice to individuals in need of support. Social Farming offers people who avail of a range of services, including mental health, learning disability and other aspects of care supports with the opportunity to spend time on a farm as part of their daily or weekly routine.

In support of this vital service, a set of Social Farming Standards for Northern Ireland, have been developed by Rural Support to enable Social Farmers to provide clear evidence of service quality excellence and to practically demonstrate their professionalism in delivering Social Farming. The Standards demonstrate that Social Farming offers a person-centred service, a place for all, and a safe farm environment. Rural Support through its Social Farming Support Service will support farmers to engage with the application process and achieve the Standards.

Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Mr Poots MLA said: “I am delighted to have had the opportunity to mark the launch of Social Farming Standards for Northern Ireland.

“My Department has supported the development and delivery of Social Farming since 2015. I have heard about the benefits of Social Farming for individuals whose lives have changed for the better and for the farmers on how much they get from delivering the service and how it has helped develop sustainability for their farm businesses.

“However, the effective delivery of Social Farming relies on collaboration with colleagues in the Health and Social Care Trusts, and other organisations who support people in need. Social Farming Standards will be important to this collaboration going forward. I commend my colleague Robin Swann MLA, Minister of Health and his colleagues for their ongoing support and for opening up the options for accessing meaningful activities and personal development opportunities for the most vulnerable in society.

“Rural Support’s vision is to contribute to a strong, healthy and resilient farming community and Social Farming is a core part of that vision. The Social Farming Standards provide a meaningful and supportive structure both for existing farmers delivering a service and for new farmers who are interested in doing so.”

Minister of Health, Mr Robin Swann MLA said: “Social Farming is an important part of the services available in the community for people who are vulnerable and most in need. I would encourage my colleagues within the Health and Social Care teams to continue to consider this option for the clients within their care and I look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength”.

If you have any questions on Social Farming or you would like more information, please contact Aoibeann Walsh, Support Service Coordinator by emailing [email protected] or telephone 07736158983. You can also find more information on Social Farming by visiting the Rural Support website https://www.ruralsupport.org.uk/social-farming-northern-ireland/