Irish-based farmers’ experience of facilitating social farming

Purpose: Social farming is the use of commercial farms and agricultural landscapes to promote mental and physical health for service users through ordinary farming activities. While previous research has focused on the service user, the farmer’s perspective and well-being has not been extensively considered in the research. The purpose of this study was to explore Irish-based farmer's experiences of social farming. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative-descriptive approach was used to explore the form, function and meaning of facilitating social farming. Purposive sampling was used for recruitment. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with ten social farmers. Findings: Four themes emerged from the interviews: characteristics of the farm and farmer, connection, mutually beneficial farming and challenges of social farming. Originality/value: This study sheds light on the experience of occupational rejuvenation that occurs for the farmer and their family through engagement in social farming, seen through their renewed passion for farming and the focus on mundane occupations. This highlights how the occupation of facilitating social farming can increase the well-being of those involved in the occupation.