The end of April 2004 saw the first international exchange regarding farming and health, held at the care farm 'de Vijfsprong' in Vorden, the Netherlands. Around 40 scientists, care farmers and policymakers attended, representing a large number of European countries - Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Slovenia, Poland, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, Portugal and the United Kingdom - as well as the United States.
The participants shared their experiences and know how, while also making an inventory of important themes and issues. In addition, they agreed to organise a major international congress in 2005 and to jointly publish a book about the state of affairs in the field of farming and health in Europe. The meeting also saw the launch of a dedicated international farming and health network.
One of the key factors that became clear during the Farming for Health event was the desire for exchange and networking in the sector. There was an extraordinary amount of enthusiasm among the participants, and interesting projects and initiatives were forthcoming from each of the countries represented.
The importance of plants, animals and greenery for the well-being of humans appears to be getting more and more attention worldwide. Countries such as the Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland already have considerable experience in this field, and the sector continues to enjoy strong growth. In countries such as the UK, the US and Denmark, specific gardening projects for private customers are more important than care farms, while Germany and Austria boast a large number of both care farms and garden projects. The first care farms are now also being established in Portugal, Sweden and Poland.
In the Netherlands, care farms cater to many different target groups. This is not the case everywhere: In Norway such farms primarily help people with psychiatric problems, in Switzerland children with rearing problems, in Italy people with a mental handicap or psychological problems, and in Sweden there are pilot projects for burnt-out professionals.
All those present at the exchange underlined the serious need for research into the importance of farming and health for clients, as well as for the development of training programmes in this sector.
The participants have pledged to compile a book that will give a general overview of the issues surrounding farming and health in the different countries. In addition, they agreed to work on widening the network in their own country, start an international Farming for Health network, and contribute to the first international Farming for Health congress, which will take place in the Netherlands in the spring of 2005.
Supported by the Council of Europe, the first international Farming for Health exchange was an initiative of:
List of press releases for 2004