“Care farming” could help farms diversify and foster a deeper connection between nourishing the body and feeding the soul.

“I met Muhammad Ayub of Dancing Goats and Singing Chickens Organic Farm in the Harmony Garden — a heart-shaped covered terrace, filled with flowering plants and vines — to talk about steps they were taking to become a “care farm.” Instantly I felt my shoulders relax and my breathing deepen. I was reminded of Mary in The Secret Garden, and how she set out to discover the secrets of her uncle’s garden, bringing it back to life to regain her own happiness.”

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About the author

Heidi Roth is a food-obsessed writer and photographer living in the Pacific Northwest whose work has been featured in Serious Eats. She’s passionate about sustainability and enjoys talking about food, taking pictures of food, and convincing people to eat with her. You can find more of her work at crunchcreative.work, a blog her sister and Aunt Evelyn read faithfully.

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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.

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