Operators of small farms 'feel more socially isolated as they age'

A new report has found that small farmers feel more socially isolated as they age, and that an increasing number are now more fearful in their own homes.

The report, entitled ‘The Sustainability of Small Farming in Ireland’, found that the majority of those surveyed reported relatively easy access to Garda stations, post offices and medical services, but with age this access to services declined.

According to the report: “Despite one in four operators of small farms living alone, the majority of farmers meet persons outside of their household on a daily basis, so for most small farmers there does not seem to be a risk of isolation. Risk of isolation increases with age; just 39% of farmers over the age of 60 meet people outside of their household on a daily basis compared to 84% of younger farmers.”