Care Farming: When farms become places of care
A new trend is changing Swiss agriculture: more and more farms are opening their doors to people who need support in their everyday lives. This concept is known as "care farming" or therapeutic farming. It combines social services directly with work on the farm.
The offer is aimed at various groups, including people with disabilities, seniors, or individuals who need a break from their everyday working life. On the farm, they can help with daily tasks, look after animals, or work in the garden. Nature and contact with animals have a demonstrably positive effect on the well-being of the guests.
For farmers, this new business model is an important additional source of income. Since the prices for agricultural products often fluctuate significantly, social care offers a more stable economic basis. In addition, farmers can position their farms as valuable places of encounter within the community.
Although the concept has already been practiced successfully in other European countries for a long time, it is now also gaining importance in Switzerland. The demand for such services is rising, as many people are looking for meaningful activity in a quiet environment. Experts assume that "care farming" could become an integral part of the Swiss agricultural landscape in the future.