To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline how recipients will benefit from the Social Farming Capital Grant Scheme.

Mr Muir

As a result of the social farming capital grant scheme, recipients will be able to provide enhanced facilities for participants to take part in meaningful farm work. Improvements to social farms because of the social farming capital grant scheme 2025-26 include the renovation of existing farm buildings, improving access at farms, the installation of energy-efficient measures and the purchase of equipment to aid and enhance the social farming experience for participants. It is important for farms delivering social farming to achieve their social farming standards. Therefore, the grant aid allows them to undertake improvements that will both enhance their farm enterprise and help them to achieve their social farming standards. Farms that deliver social farming will also receive reimbursement from referral partners. That income will help to support the sustainability of small rural farms. I am a strong advocate of social farming, as it is a practice that benefits those delivering the service and, very importantly, the participants, who are some of the most vulnerable in our society.

Mr Muir

Thank you, Peter. Participants in social farming experience benefit as a result of reduced stress, anxiety and depression alongside increased physical activity. The carers and participating social farmers feel more connected to their community and develop new friendships and social networks. Participants also acquire new skills, gain confidence in their abilities and feel a greater sense of purpose. The practice of social farming also contributes to sustainable farming methods, biodiversity and landscape preservation. It also fosters a sense of community, promotes social cohesion and builds stronger community relationships. Those delivering social farming also receive an income from referrals, which aids the sustaining of farm diversification projects.