Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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152. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is a grant available to persons that wish to take part in the social farming programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16832/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The National Social Farming Office was established by Leitrim Development Company with the assistance of funding from my Department.  It supports the development of a national social farming network in collaboration with other Local Development Companies.  In 2017 & 2018, Social Farming Ireland delivered 2,700 placement days across 24 counties. 

The on-going funding for the Social Farming Network project provides continuity and stability to Leitrim Development Company for the development of a sustainable network for social farming in Ireland. This support is central to upholding the operation of the project especially given the commitment from farmers and service providers in the development and roll-out of this initiative in rural communities throughout Ireland.  Farmers wishing to take part in the social farming programme should contact the Leitrim Development Company while potential participants should contact their service provider.