Rural schemes get fund boost

Two pilot initiatives announced late last week aim to advance existing social farming operations and local markets for food and artisan produce in rural areas.

Social farming is the practice of offering, on a voluntary basis, farming, horticultural and animal related work experience to people who avail of a range of day support services.

One of the aims of the other funding project, targeted at existing or start-up local food and artisan markets, is to boost rural commercial and retail activity.