FarmElder project was shortlisted as a finalist in the Best Social Research Programme /Project at FBD Better Farming Awards. The project was named as overall winner at the ceremony on 7th November at the Heritage Hotel, Killenard, Co. Laois. This is a prestigious accolade and provides great exposure for this valuable research regarding social farming with older people. It highlights the importance of strategic partnerships with our colleagues at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Thurles Campus and European partners, and continuing engagement with others who are committed to social farming. Full details on FarmElder, including Case Studies, National Reports and free training course are on the website www.farmelder.eu 

Kerry Social Farming led its 2024 Annual Meeting at the Brehon Hotel in Killarney on 1st of February. The meeting was officially opened by Eamon Horgan chairperson of KSF Working Group who welcomed all and thanked those present for making the special effort to attend. Many new faces were evident among the gathering of over 70 people. A progress report was given on the progress and growth of social farming during 2023. Host farmers, participants and support staff also shared their experiences of social farming and its many benefits. Guest speaker Michael Healy Rae TD spoke at length about the values of social farming within the family farm and the wider local community. He complimented the host farmers for giving up their time and volunteering to the Kerry Social Farming project. He complimented SKDP and the management structure for their long-term commitment to this programme.

Kerry Social Farming participated in a discussion event on social farming hosted by Irish Local Development Network (ILDN) at 2023 National Ploughing Championships held in Co. Laois. Joseph McCrohan and host farmer Christy McDonnell were part of the panel, along with Minister for Land Use & Biodiversity Senator Pippa Hackett, Brian Smyth (Social Farming Ireland) and Michael O’Connell (host farmer from West Limerick).

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