Bannow IFA Supports New Initiative for Isolated Farmers

Bannow IFA, alongside Jer O'Mahoney, Environment Chair for Wexford IFA, recently participated in a new initiative aimed at supporting isolated farmers in rural communities. The initiative, known as the Farmers' Haggard, was introduced as a nationwide pilot program by Irish Rural Link and supported by the Department of Agriculture. On Tuesday, January 20th, 16 members of Bannow IFA visited the Dáil to learn more about the initiative and engage with key political figures. The group was hosted by Verona Murphy in the Dáil, where they toured the building and met with Wexford Deputies George Lawlor, Johnny Mythen, Fionntán O'Súilleabháin & Senator Cathal Byrne The Farmers' Haggard initiative is designed to support farmers who may be isolated due to living alone, such as widowers, bachelors, or even farming couples. The aim is to reduce social isolation and provide a supportive community for those in rural farming areas. Environment Chair Jer O'Mahoney expressed his hopes that the program would be extended to other parts of Wexford, particularly for those in more remote locations. The group used the Garda Community Bus to travel to the Dáil, and the visit was described as a fantastic experience.