18 Northern Ireland social farms awarded £130,000 to improve accessibility
Eighteen social farms across Northern Ireland have been awarded more than £130,000 in government funding to improve their facilities and make farming activities more accessible to people with disabilities and learning difficulties.
Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir announced the funding on Thursday 15 October through the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ Social Farming Capital Grant Scheme for 2026/27.
The grants, ranging from £1,000 to £10,000, will allow participating farms to adapt their facilities, improve accessibility and develop their social farming activities.
What is social farming?
Social farming provides opportunities for people with disabilities, learning difficulties and other support needs to participate in everyday farming activities.
The approach offers an alternative to traditional day services, allowing participants to develop practical skills and social connections in a supportive, non-clinical environment.
Activities are based around the normal daily operations of participating farms, with individuals encouraged to contribute according to their interests and abilities.
DAERA says approximately 102 people currently benefit from social farming opportunities across Northern Ireland each week.
Minister welcomes funding awards
Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir welcomed the funding, highlighting the benefits social farming can provide for individuals who may otherwise experience isolation.
He said the grants would allow 18 farms to improve their facilities and make their activities more accessible.
The Minister highlighted improvements in confidence, motivation, physical health and social connections among people participating in social farming.
He also encouraged farmers interested in developing social farming opportunities to contact Rural Support for further information.
£4,800 awarded to The Quarries Farm
The announcement was made during a visit to The Quarries Farm, where Minister Muir presented a grant offer worth £4,800 to Farm Manager Gayle Keenan.
The farm was among the 18 successful applicants receiving support through the 2026/27 programme.
The funding will contribute towards improvements designed to enhance the experience of people participating in social farming activities.
Supporting rural communities
The Social Farming Capital Grant Scheme is funded through DAERA’s Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Framework.
The Department also funds Northern Ireland’s Social Farming Support Service, which has been delivered by the Cookstown-based charity Rural Support since 2015.
Since 2016, the capital grant scheme has provided £355,000 towards improving facilities, accessibility and opportunities at social farms.
The latest awards are intended to help participating farms develop their services while supporting people who benefit from taking part in agricultural activities.
Further information: Rural Support
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