DAERA Minister Andrew Muir MLA confirmed the Department's 2026/27 Social Farming Capital Grant Scheme has disbursed more than £130,000 in funding to 18 qualifying Social Farms throughout Northern Ireland.
The capital grants range from £1,000 to £10,000 and are intended for farmers engaged in or planning to engage in Social Farming activities.
Funds support the adaptation of farm facilities and enhancements to accessibility, aiming to improve the experience for participants and foster enterprise growth.
Social Farming is defined as a creative and inclusive agricultural method that facilitates therapy, rehabilitation, and social inclusion for its users.
Since 2016, the scheme has delivered £355,000 in total support to upgrade infrastructure and aid the expansion of Social Farm businesses.
The initiative operates under the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Framework.
Minister Muir made the announcement at The Quarries Farm, where he handed a £4,800 grant offer to Gayle Keenan, the farm's manager.
Activities on participating farms form part of daily routines, organised by the farmer but influenced by participant feedback.