Care Farming is an activity and industry that utilizes the diverse resources of agriculture and rural areas to aid in the recovery of physical and mental health and social relationships. This includes not only crop cultivation and flower gardening but also animal care, forest experiences, and rural cultural activities. In South Korea, the Act on the Research, Development, and Promotion of Care Farming (Care Farming Act) was enacted and enforced on March 25, 2021.
What distinguishes care farming from ordinary farming is that it aims not at the production of agricultural products per se, but at the recovery of body and mind. Programmed activities planned as care farming are provided for the purpose of health recovery and the promotion of happiness. Thus, care farming assists a broad range of people, from the general public needing daily health management to those requiring specialized treatment and care. Concretely, its target extends from those experiencing work stress or health problems to those in need of professional help for mental illness or depression, learning disabilities, addiction issues, and difficulties with social adjustment. Through agricultural activities, participants can gain diverse benefits such as health recovery, the formation of social relationships, and educational growth.
[Care Farming Ⓟ ESG.ONL/ESG Today]
The primary resources of care farms include plants, animals, non-farming activities, and natural landscapes. Plant resources encompass all crops and horticultural plants, including grains, fruit trees, vegetables, and flowers directly cultivated by the farm operator. Utilizing these plant resources, creative activities such as topiary (the act or work of trimming and shaping naturally growing plants into various forms for aesthetic effect) and mini gardens are organized for therapeutic purposes.
Animal resources broadly include dogs, horses, and livestock such as hamsters, rabbits, sheep, and goats, as well as fish, reptiles, birds, and insects. At domestic care farms, programs such as feeding sheep and cattle and food processing experiences are operated. Non-farming activities include cooking, crafts, tea ceremonies, creative activities, wellness food, rural cultural experiences, and agricultural product processing. Natural landscapes include village forests for forest experiences and walks, stone walls, roads, streams, scenic viewpoints, and seasonal landscapes.
The core value of care farming is to utilize the functions of agriculture in diverse ways and to practice health management centered on local communities. All agriculture-related resources are utilized for the expansion of welfare services provided in rural areas, which include diverse services such as rehabilitation support, treatment programs, and lifelong education. For care farming to be effectively conducted, cooperation among farm operators, health and welfare institutions, and participants is essential.
As a result of mutual cooperation, social burdens such as medical expenses can be reduced through the promotion of national health. Additionally, new sources of income can be created for rural areas, making the sustainable development of agriculture and rural communities possible. Furthermore, care farming is emerging as a solution to the challenges of modern society, in which aging is intensifying and mental health issues are gradually increasing. As it provides a new form of welfare services for the weary modern person, care farming is set to draw attention as an important alternative for the city and the countryside, for the individual and society, going forward.
by Editor O