Local pioneers of social farming lauded

The importance of the social farming programme in Mayo was highlighted by Senator Michelle Mulherin when she attended the launch of Social Farming Ireland's latest report in Claremorris on Tuesday.

The launch, which was also attended by the Minister for Disability Issues, Finian McGrath, took place on the farm of Oliver and Anna Dixon, Ahena, Claremorris, who are local pioneers for social farming.

Senator Mulherin said: “Social farming is a wonderful programme run by South West Mayo Development Company that is the practice of offering activity on family farms as a form of social support service. The report sets out the research which provides empirical evidence that the programme is beneficial and works.

“I want to pay tribute to Oliver and Anna, who are local pioneers for social farming – which allows people using health and social services to come on their organic farm and experience the therapy provided by working on the land and with animals.”

Social farming is a collaborative effort between Social Farming Ireland, Western Care, Mayo South East Development Company and the Department of Agriculture. South West Mayo Development Company is the body responsible for developing a social farming network in Mayo, Roscommon and Galway under a national programme funded through CEDRA and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine.