The National Social Farming Conference had a fantastic turnout last Friday to celebrate 10 years of the National Social Farming Network, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Waterford LEADER Partnership are delighted to partner with the network to provide Social Farming placements across the Southeast. Minister Martin Heydon opened the event and outlined how we are “seen as leaders in Social Farming across Europe” and that the Dept of Agriculture endeavor to support the ongoing development of Social Farming.
On the day, we heard moving testimonials from participants across a range of services, including mental health and youth services. Farmers spoke about what Social farming also offers them, the great outcomes seen for participants and about the positive relationships they have built. It was an extremely positive space for connection and celebration.
Waterford LEADER Partnership CEO, Christine Rossi, contributed to two panel discussions. Firstly, on the Community Safety and Innovation Fund pilot project, which is wrapping up in the Southeast after a two-year pilot offering Social Farming placements to youth at risk. Secondly, Christine joined the Local Development Companies Network panel discussion on the value that Social Farming adds to local development and also where the future of Social Farming lies within the partner local development companies West Limerick Resources – WLR and South West Mayo Development Company CLG
We want to especially acknowledge the two youths from Carlow Regional Youth Services and our Social farmers Helen and Alan, who spoke about their experience of Social Farming together and the progress they have seen in these youths over the last two years. Well done to the Social Farming Ireland team for putting together such an informative and moving event.
