Care Farming: When the Farm Becomes a Social Space
In Switzerland, there is a new trend in agriculture: so-called "care farming." It is not just about the production of milk, meat, or vegetables, but also about caring for people. More and more farms are opening their doors to individuals who need support or a fixed structure in their daily lives.
Care farming is understood as the combination of agriculture and social services. People with disabilities, seniors, or young people with difficulties spend time on the farm. They help with daily work with the animals or in the garden. This work in nature and contact with animals often have a very positive effect on mental health and general well-being.
For Swiss farmers, this model is an important new business branch. Since prices for traditional agricultural products are often low, many farmers are looking for additional sources of income. Care farming offers them the opportunity to secure their income while simultaneously taking on a valuable social task for society.
In other European countries, such as the Netherlands or Norway, this concept has been known and successful for a long time. Now it is also gaining more and more importance in Switzerland. Experts see it as a great opportunity for the future, as the demand for alternative and nature-based forms of care is steadily growing.
In summary, it can be said that care farming builds an important bridge between agriculture and society. It shows that farms can be much more than just places of production. They are developing into social centers that bring people and nature together in a special way.