‘Participants have become part of our families ... that’s the success of it’
I GOT involved in Kerry Social Farming when I read a piece in The Kerryman newspaper a few years ago and it’s hard to believe what was a small article has today turned into a full supplement on Social Farming. This is proof that what we’re doing is working and I would urge more farmers to get involved. I just knew this was a good project from the moment I heard about it.
I have two participants at the moment, Mags and Tim, and one of the big things Social Farming is doing for people is building confidence and ability. If there is one thing I feel very pleased about is that we’re offering a service to places like St John of God and Kerry Parents & Friends. Our farms are places where participants can come and enjoy themselves.
The host farmers in Kerry have put their heart and soul into Kerry Social Farming and that’s the seed of this success. The difference it’s making to people lives is immense. It makes people equal and brings huge happiness to their lives.
I would say to farmers give it a go. This is a voluntary model and there are supports there to help host farmers with any upgrades they need to make their farm suitable for Social Farming. We have some very busy farmers involved in this project who are making the time to be hosts. Meet the facilitator and get a feel for it.
There is a great sense of achievement in it for the host farmer. Another thing is that the participants have become a part of our families. That’s the true success of it. Try it out during a quiet time on the farm if you like to get a better feel for it. But the benefits won’t become apparent until you try it.
Eamonn Horgan, Kilgarvan