Growth and Development of Kerry Social Farming 2013-2023

Kerry Social Farming commenced in 2013 under the auspices of lead partner South Kerry Development Partnership CLG. The research findings from the Iveragh Uplands and Rural Vibrancy in South Kerry Report more widely point to the broader value of farming to society and the economy, as well as the strength of rural vibrancy demonstrated by rising volunteerism through a time of austerity.

It is within this context that in 2013, a working group was formed, with members from families of people with a disability, farmers, service providers, community development organisations and local government to create the Kerry Social Farming. KSF Working Group held its first meeting on 29th May 2013. Prior to that meeting, six months of planning and development work took place, including attending conferences in Carrick-on-Shannon, Belfast and Armagh, as part of the Social Farming Across Borders (SoFAB) project.

Since 2013, Kerry Social farming has helped build closer links between the farming community and people with disabilities and has grown steadily and sustainably from year to year, delivering 76 days of social farming within the first six months (July-December 2013). This rose to over 900 days during the first half of 2023. Kerry Social Farming has expanded from four farms in 2013 to over 40 in 2023, with a number of new farms engaging with a view to becoming host farms. To date, Kerry farm gates have opened to over 100 people with disabilities, allowing them avail of farming activities and enjoy the experience of being with animals and plants in a safe and friendly environment. These working farms continue offering participant opportunities to learn farm skills, life skills, connect with the rural community and build meaningful relationships.