Social Farms across Northern Ireland benefit from new DAERA capital grants

Minister Muir was speaking at Primrose Cottage Social Farm, where he presented their grant aid Letter of Offer for £4,960 to Anne Brown.

More than £120,000 in funding has been awarded to Social Farms across Northern Ireland under a new capital grant scheme aimed at improving accessibility, inclusion and wellbeing for some of society’s most disadvantaged people.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir MLA today announced that 15 eligible Social Farms have received funding through the Department’s 2025–2026 Social Farming Capital Grant Scheme, with individual grants ranging from £1,000 to £10,000.

The scheme supports farmers who are currently involved, or planning to become involved, in Social Farming by helping them adapt facilities and improve accessibility, ultimately enhancing the experience for participants and supporting the development of Social Farm enterprises.

Speaking at the announcement, Minister Muir said:

“I am delighted to be able to announce that fifteen farms across Northern Ireland have been supported with grants, awarding just over £120,000 to help them improve their facilities for the practice of social farming.”

He said the scheme plays a vital role in addressing wider social challenges in rural areas.

“Support for developing Social Farming through the provision of the Social Farming Capital Grant Scheme is an extremely good fit within my Department’s Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Framework, with the scheme benefitting some of the most disadvantaged in society.

“Social Farming is a creative and inclusive approach to agriculture that supports therapy, rehabilitation, and social inclusion. It also offers an alternative to traditional day services for individuals with disabilities and learning difficulties, where participants engage in everyday farming activities within a non-clinical, supportive setting.”

Social Farming allows individuals to take part in real farm life, working alongside farmers in a structured but flexible environment shaped by participant input. Activities change with the seasons and offer opportunities to build confidence, develop practical skills and form meaningful social connections.

Minister Muir highlighted the positive impact for those involved, adding:

“The benefits to the many participants availing weekly of Social Farming opportunities include enhanced mood, increased motivation and confidence, development of practical skills, improved physical health, and stronger social connections.

“Activities that are undertaken are part of the farm’s regular routine, structured by the farmer but shaped by participant input. Seasonal tasks add variety and allow involvement in longer-term projects throughout the farming year.”

He encouraged others interested in delivering Social Farming to explore support options, saying he would encourage anyone interested to visit the Rural Support website for more information.

The Minister was speaking at Primrose Cottage Social Farm, where he presented a Letter of Offer for £4,960 in grant aid to Anne Brown. The farm currently provides one Social Farming session each week for two individuals, offering a small-scale but impactful service rooted in personal support and inclusion.

The Social Farming Capital Grant Scheme is funded through DAERA’s Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Framework. The Social Farming Support Service, delivered on DAERA’s behalf by the Rural Support charity based in Cookstown, has been in place since 2015.

Since 2016, the capital grant scheme has provided £235,000 to improve facilities, enhance accessibility and support the growth of Social Farm enterprises across Northern Ireland, helping farms become places of connection, recovery and opportunity within their local communities.