The Smallholders Initiative

The Smallholders initiative is a service available to small farm holder families, administered by the Rural Partnerships. The Smallholders Initiative aims to improve the lives of low-income farm families throughout the Country.
It aims to help small farm holder households improve their income and safeguard their household viability.
It provides information, guidance and a range of supports, tailored to individuals/household needs.
It develops linkages with other statutory agencies on behalf of clients. 
 
MISSION STATEMENT

“To work with small scale agricultural producers and their families to improve the economic potential and social conditions of the household. To empower those most excluded and endeavour to transform their social, economic and educational prospects by working in partnership with other stakeholders to devise and implement practical solutions specific to smallholder households”                                                                                                          
 
What’s available
Support is offered to individuals/households on a one to one basis, tailored to suit the needs of individual households. The Development Officers assist clients, addressing issues such as:
·         Improving on-farm efficiency to its maximum;
·         Obtaining maximum entitlements under Social Welfare, EU, Agricultural and other relevant schemes;
·         Helping to secure off-farm employment to supplement the family farm income;
·         Helping to develop new business ideas and individuals to establish their own business.
·         Improving social, living conditions and quality of life;
·         Training and up-skilling individuals or groups;
·         Making representations to other organisations or agencies on behalf of clients;
·         Assisting smallholders to access all relevant services available to them;
·         Targeting social exclusion.

The service aims to enable individuals/households make informed decisions about their future social and economic needs and to assist them in bringing their plans to fruition.
All our services and consultations are free and strictly confidential.
 
Eligibility Criteria/ Conditions of Aid.
The Smallholder Initiative is part of the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme (LDSIP). The purpose of the LDSIP is to counter disadvantage and promote equality and social and economic inclusion. It is a national initiative rolled out at local level through Partnerships working in the areas of greatest need in the country. Those Partnerships bring together local communities, Government bodies, the Social Partners and elected representatives developing actions to counter social exclusion. The LDSIP is managed by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
Between 2002 and 2006:

·         More than 9,000 smallholders received supports under the Smallholder Initiative, including more than 2,5000 women;
·         Nearly 3,5000 smallholders were supported into training or education.
·         More than 4,6000 received support in running an enterprise.
·         1,000 obtained jobs, with support from the initiative.
 
Application Process.            
Contact one of the following to make an appointment.

Joseph McCrohan,
Rural Development Officer,
South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd.,
The Old Barracks, Bridge Street,
Cahirciveen, Co. Kerry.
Tel: 066 9472724/087 2849165.
 
Emmett Spring,
Rural Development Officer,
South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd.,
Library Place, Iveragh Road,
Killorglin, Co. Kerry.
Tel: 066 9761615/087 2399942.