Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir announced today £120,000 in grant aid to 15 eligible social farms across Northern Ireland.

DAERA's 2025-2026 Social Farming Capital Grant Scheme has awarded between £1,000 and £10,000 to farmers who are currently involved or planning to be involved in social farming, to assist them in adapting their facilities and accessibility.

The aim of the grants was to improve the experience for participants and further developing the enterprise as a place where communities can come together to create, manage and care together.

Since 2016, the scheme has provided £235,000 to improve facilities and enhance accessibility at the facilities.

Minister Andrew Muir made the announcement at Primrose Cottage Social Farm in Saintfield, Co. Down, where he presented the grant aid letter of offer for £4,960 to owner Anne Brown.

Primrose Cottage provides one session for two individuals each week.

Minister Muir said: "Support for developing social farming through the provision of the Social Farming Capital Grant Scheme is an extremely good fit within my department’s Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Framework, with the scheme benefitting some of the most disadvantaged in society.

Minister Muir also noted that that the benefits to participants involving themselves in the scheme include: enhanced mood; an increase in motivation and confidence; the development of practical skills; improved physical health; and stronger social connections.

Minister Muir encourages anyone across Northern Ireland who is interested in getting involved to contact the charity Rural Support.

The scheme is delivered by DAERA, who has funded the Social Farming Support Service, has been delivered by Rural Support since 2015.