The funding will go toward developing and delivering evidence-based mental health programs, including tools and learning resources for farm families, communities and therapists. (Photo 124447369 | Alberta Farm © Nalidsa Sukprasert | Dreamstime.com)

By Joel Mendelson

Funding announced to enhance mental health support for farmers and ranchers

Nov 27, 2023 | 12:25 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The AgKnow Alberta Farm Mental Health Network is giving farm families improved access to mental health services.

The Agricultural Research and Extension Council of Alberta is receiving $388,500 to stimulate and grow mental health research and supports through AgKnow.

The funding comes from the Sustainable Canadian Partnership (Sustainable CAP), whose aim is to help build a stronger and more resilient agricultural sector for Alberta.

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation said, “It’s essential for AgKnow to continue bringing awareness on mental health and help farm families get the supports they need to manage life’s stressors. This funding will help advance farm mental health research and education while providing more resources for farmers and farm families.”

The funding will go toward developing and delivering evidence-based mental health programs including tools and learning resources for farm families, communities and therapists. This will help health care providers understand farm culture and the issues farmers face.

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Lawrence MacAulay, federal minister of Agriculture and Agri-food said, “Our farmers and their families face unique demands and challenges as they work to feed Canada and the world.”

He continued, “It’s vitally important that we continue to invest in programs that support the mental health and well-being of folks working in our agricultural sector, and this funding through AgKnow will help ensure Alberta’s farming communities have the necessary resources and tools available to them when they need it most.”

Sustainable CAP is a five-year, $3.5 billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the agri-food and agri-based products sector. This includes a $1 billion commitment in federal programs and activities, and a $2.5 billion commitment, which is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs designed by the provinces.

Linda Hunt Pag, program director for AgKnow said, “Alberta farmers can feel immense pressure to support their families and to continue extensive family farm legacies. Through AgKnow, we’re de-stigmatizing farm mental health and making it easier for farmers to access therapy and counseling designed with their lifestyles in mind.”

She continued, “With this grant, we’ll be able to expand our programming and develop more educational resources so therapists and counselors across Alberta can better understand and serve farmers.”

The AgKnow Alberta Farmer Mental Health Network was created in 2022. Officials said that since its launch, 12 agriculturally-informed therapists and counselors have provided support to 39 farm families.

In 2023, AgKnow hosted more than 24 workshops and webinars, which reached more than 1,500 people.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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