Danny Healy-Rae
Question:877. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will expand the availability of social farming in rural areas. [36901/22]
View answerDáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 July 2022
877. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will expand the availability of social farming in rural areas. [36901/22]
View answerI am a strong proponent of the Social Farming movement. It is has multi-faceted benefits for the farmers as well as those who attend the farms. It is a truly inspirational concept. I met with Social Farmers from Leitrim, Donegal and Kerry since I was appointed Minister.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine provided funding last year totalling almost €777,000 under the Rural Innovation & Development Fund towards the development of the national Social Farming Network and for the development of a number of social farming model projects.
I am examining all options regarding funding models and streams for this movement.