Mr. Brian Smyth:

I thank the committee for the invitation. We are in the middle of Social Farming Awareness Week 2025, which is in its fourth year. We had an open day on a farm in Malahide this morning and we have come from there.

It is great to get this opportunity. We have been working in social farming since 2007, initially as part of a research project with UCD and then as a community of practice nationally. The Department of agriculture has funded us since 2016.

In a world where there is increasing social fragmentation, ecological imbalance and the weakening of community ties, social farming helps to transform that and provide a response. It is a way of cultivating humanity and fostering dignity, solidarity and resilience. Farms transcend their role as units of production. They become a place for care and learning. They act as bridges between nature and society, and as places for building connections between people and the environment, and between people and those who work in farming.

Social Farming Ireland provides an outcome-focused placement based on a plan. The person is on the farm, using those natural assets of the people, the place and the activities of the farm, and is supported in a person-centred way. The person spends time on the farm and undertakes various activities. It is non-clinical and community-based. We support a wide range of people, including those recovering from mental health issues, people with disabilities, people who are new to Ireland, older people, people with dementia, people who have a difficulty at school and homeless people. A wide range of people access these farms.

We cover the governance and quality of it so there is a quality experience. The farms are Garda-vetted and insured, farmers are trained and inducted, and there is safeguarding and Children First guidance as required. All of that practice is supported by our five development officers around the country. It helps farmers to remain sustainable in rural areas and promotes inclusion and holistic rural development. The farmers are paid for their costs, expenses and time. It supports a wide range of activities around the farm.

The Department of agriculture has been very important to the funding of this since 2016, and that has increased with the new tender for the national network. Roughly 200 farms are associated with the network, and they are located in every part of the country.