The launch of this additional support for the project was announced in Leitrim on Tuesday by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed. This investment follows on from an initial investment of €400,000 last year for the establishment of the project.

Social farming is the practice of offering activity on family farms as a form of social support service. Under the Social Farming Network, the farm remains a working farm at its core but invites people to participate in the day-to-day activities of the farm.

Speaking at Loch Aedín Social Farm in Leitrim, the minister praised the idea of the project.

“The concept of social farming – giving people, who are availing of a range of health service supports, the opportunity to participate in farming or horticulture activities in their local area – fosters inclusion. It helps participants to build self-esteem, confidence and improve their health and wellbeing,” he said.

The national support office will be based in Drumshanbo, which will in turn coordinate four regional hubs, which will assist with the promotion and delivery of social farming in Ireland in support of both participants and farmers.

The Department will also provide funding totalling €720,000 in 2017 for a range of social farming initiatives worth €130,000 under the Rural Innovation and Development Fund for pilot projects aimed at reducing food waste generated by food businesses in rural area.

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