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Farmer’s Yards, Social Organisation for Older Farmers

Sep 28, 2022 | Farm Viability News

Farmer’s Yards

With over one-third of Irish farmers now aged over 65, a new project by the University of Galway’s Rural Studies Centre, working to establish a dedicated social organisation for older farmers called ‘Farmer’s Yards’, has recently been featured in That’s Farming (see: https://thatsfarming.com/farming-news/farmers-yards-research/) and the Irish Examiner (see: https://www.irishexaminer.com/farming/arid-40932302.html).

Designed to fit the older generation’s aspirations, interests, needs, and values, the proposed organisation, with a network of clubs in every county (or similar geographic entity), would promote social inclusion in farming by allowing the older generation to come together as a local peer group.

The emotional and social wellbeing of older farmers is now more important than ever in the context of increased levels of social isolation and loneliness in rural communities as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is expected an initial pilot project on this initiative, led by a group of farmers in north-east Co. Galway, will be rolled out in January 2023.

 

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