Government set to spend €600,000 on 'social farming model'

Gordon Deegan

An estimated €600,000 is to be spent on developing a substantial new or existing 'social farming model' project.

The Department of Agriculture is seeking applications from interested parties “who have the capability and vision, to develop a substantial new or existing social farming model project”.

Funding for the service is from the Department’s Rural Innovation and Development Fund, up to a maximum of €150,000 for each model project.

The contract is for five years, including options and renewals.

The Department describes social farming as "the practice of offering, on a voluntary basis, farming and horticultural participation in a farming environment as a choice to people who avail of a range of therapeutic day support services”.

Social farming is widely practised across Europe and is considered at an advanced stage of development in the Netherlands, Norway, and Italy.

From a governmental perspective, they provide a collaborative framework for different Departments and agencies to work together.

The closing date for submission of tenders is April 24th.