Farming for Health in Slovenia

Abstract

The agricultural situation and the social protection system in Slovenia are discussed first. Then, four typical patterns of the use of agriculture for therapeutic purposes are described (activities within the institutions, decentralization of the institutions, initiatives within the representative clients’ organizations, and individual farmers’ initiatives). Based on the results of the feasibility study at the national level a provisional SWOT matrix of health/care farming is drafted. Modelling and implementation of health/care farming have to be carried out with professional correctness by a multidisciplinary team (agronomists, social workers, economists, defectologists etc.) and with a great deal of social prudence. Relevant criteria, economic viability and quality of life of all involved have to be met. Therefore, the implementation of social services as a supplementary on-farm activity should be gradual and backed by building up partnerships between the participants: clients and farmers, while the role of the state has to be orientated to arranging and determining the scope of and the conditions for health/care faming