A FARM-based scheme which offers support through connection with farming and nature is looking to recruit more Limerick farmers who would like to offer opportunities to people from outside farming backgrounds and get paid for it.
The National Social Farming Network has over 200 farmers trained and supported by them and who have delivered on their farms across the country.
In 2025, over 1,000 people spent time on one of these farms, and the farmers were paid approximately one million euro for their support.
The people who get benefit from the scheme – in which they spend one or two days a week on a farm for a period of weeks or months – are a mix, some of whom have an intellectual or physical disability or those battling difficulties who would gain from spending time in closer contact with nature.
Social Farming provides an outcome-focused support for people on a farm using nature and the community to support a person to achieve some of their own chosen goals.
It is based on the person spending time with farmers and their families in the natural environment, but also engages people in developing social connections and relationships.
People attend in small groups up to a maximum of four and are supported in line with their own defined person-centred plan.
Farmers get training and support from their local regional co-ordinator. Social farming is widely recognised across the country as a valuable community and social support for many people.
For more information, visit socialfarming ireland.ie.