Kerry Social Farming Project –Closing Date Extended
The Kerry Social Farming project is a new initiative in the County to help build closer links between the farming community and people with additional needs. The aim of the project is to establish a number of Social Farms in County Kerry which will open their farm gate to people with additional needs to come and spend time on their farm and enjoy the experience of being with animals and plants in a safe and friendly environment. While on the farms people will be encouraged to participate in the farming activities of the day and build relationships with the wider community. In Social Farming, the farm remains a working farm at its core but invites people to participate in the activities of the farm.
The Kerry Social Farming project is being promoted through a working group which consist of members from South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd, Kerry Parents and Friends, St John of God Kerry Services, Cunamh Iveragh and Kerry Down Syndrome. While this is a new project for Kerry, Social farming is well developed in other EU countries and in the Border Region in Ireland through the Social Farming Across Borders which is supported by the European Union’s INTERRIG IVA Programme. Further information on this project can be found at www.socialfarmingacrossborders.org
The Kerry Social Farming working group would like to hear from farmers who would like to learn more about the project with a view to becoming one of the active Social Farms in the County in the future. The working group have an open mind on the type of farm required and training will be provided to assist farmers that want to develop a Social Farm. If you are interested in putting your name forward please send a short expression of interest letter to:
Joseph McCrohan, Rural Development Officer, South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd,
West Main Street, Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry. by 5.00pm on Friday 23rd August 2013
e-mail: [email protected]
Tel 066 9472724 or 0872849165.
Or
Seamus O’Hara, North & East Kerry Development, Clash, Tralee by 5.00pm on Friday 23rd August 2013
e-mail: [email protected]
Tel 066 9180190 or 0871231429
