Efforts to encourage more farmers in Co Monaghan to become involved in the Social Farming Programme were made during a meeting of the IFA county executive yesterday.
An Garda Siochana’s Juvenile liaison officer Pat Merrick who is based in Castleblayney and Monaghan farmer Patrick Corrigan told those gathered how the programme facilitated inclusion and support for vulnerable people as well as providing a social outlet for farmers working alone.
Garda Merrick supervises young people who find themselves on the wrong side of the law, often through no fault of their own.
Some have participated in the social farming programme locally - with Garda Merrick's help - and he says the benefits can never be overstated.
Meanwhile, dairy farmer Patrick Corrigan has been involved in the programme since 2018.
He says he enjoys the company of the participant because it can be lonely working by himself on the farm.
