The concept of care farming has roots in various historical practices and philosophies that recognize the therapeutic benefits of working with nature and animals. While the term “care farming” itself may be relatively modern, the principles and practices it encompasses have deep historical and cultural significance.
Early Beginnings
Throughout history, people have engaged in agricultural activities for both sustenance and healing purposes. In ancient times, Greek physician Hippocrates advocated for the healing power of nature. Monasteries in medieval Europe often combined farming with care for the sick and needy. Agricultural practices were often integrated into religious rituals, healing ceremonies, and community gatherings.
19th Century
In the 1800s, the moral treatment movement in psychiatry began to emphasize the therapeutic benefits of work, routine, and nature for mental health patients. Farming and gardening became integral to many asylums and hospitals. Physicians and mental health professionals in Europe and North America began using gardening and outdoor activities as therapeutic interventions for individuals with physical and mental health conditions.
Early 20th Century
During the early 1900s, the therapeutic community movement further integrated farming into mental health care. Hospitals and sanatoria often included agricultural work as part of their therapeutic programs. The term “care farming” gained prominence in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as a way to describe agricultural-based interventions that promote health, well-being, and social inclusion. In Europe, particularly in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, care farming emerged as a formalized practice, with the establishment of dedicated care farms and the development of standards and guidelines for their operation.
Post-World War II
After World War II, there was a renewed focus on rehabilitation and recovery for veterans and other individuals with disabilities. Farming and gardening were increasingly used as part of occupational therapy programs.
Late 20th Century
In the 1970s and 1980s, care farming began to be more formally recognized and structured. Countries like the Netherlands and Norway started to develop specific programs and policies to integrate farming with social care. The concept of green care, which includes care farming, started gaining traction in Europe. Initiatives and research into the benefits of green care for various populations emerged, promoting the idea of using natural environments for therapeutic purposes. Over the past few decades, there has been a growing body of research highlighting the benefits of care farming for individuals with a wide range of needs, including mental health disorders, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, substance abuse issues, and social isolation. This research has contributed to the recognition of care farming as a valuable component of holistic healthcare and social support systems.
21st Century-Present Day
The 2000s saw significant growth in care farming across Europe, North America, and other parts of the world. The benefits of care farming for mental health, social inclusion, and rehabilitation were increasingly recognized. As care farming has gained recognition as a legitimate form of therapy and social care, efforts have been made to professionalize the field and advocate for its integration into mainstream healthcare and social service systems. Organizations such as the Care Farming Network in the US, Social Farms and Gardens in the UK, and the National Federation of Dutch Care Farms in the Netherlands play a crucial role in promoting best practices, providing training and support for practitioners, and advocating for policy changes to support the growth of care farming initiatives.
Care farming has become a global movement, with farms dedicated to providing therapeutic and social benefits to diverse populations. The practice is recognized for its holistic approach, combining physical activity, social interaction, and connection with nature. Ongoing research continues to document the positive impacts of care farming on health and well-being, leading to greater integration of care farming into health and social care systems.
