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Revolutionizing Mental Health and Farm Safety: New Brunswick Farmers to Receive Unprecedented Support

by Team Iamsafeatwork

28-06-2023

Safety

In a groundbreaking move to address the pressing issue of mental health in the agricultural sector, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, along with the Honourable Margaret Johnson, Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Fisheries, announced a pioneering farm-focused mental health and safety initiative in New Brunswick. Developed in partnership with Agriculture NB, which encompasses the Agriculture Alliance of NB, the National Farmers Union in NB, and the Really Local Harvest Co-op, this transformative program aims to provide vital resources and support to farmers in their battle against the stressors inherent to operating a farm.

With the introduction of the New Brunswick Mental Health and Farm Safety Initiative, a significant stride is being taken towards enhancing the mental and physical well-being of agricultural communities across the province. Recognizing the challenges faced by New Brunswick farmers, Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau expressed her optimism about the initiative, stating, “The New Brunswick Mental Health and Farm Safety Initiative will provide essential support and resources to producers when they need it most and will improve the mental and physical wellbeing of agricultural communities across New Brunswick.”

Central to this pioneering initiative is the creation of www.farmtalkcare.ca, an online hub that serves as a comprehensive repository of mental health and wellness training, tools, and resources. This user-friendly platform has been specifically designed to enable easy access to crucial material that supports the agricultural community in maintaining mental fitness. By providing guidance on recognizing the need to reach out and talk to someone, self-care techniques, and strategies to support family members and workers on the farm, www.farmtalkcare.ca empowers farmers and fosters a supportive community within the farming industry.

Margaret Johnson, Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Fisheries, acknowledged the significance of the farming profession and the challenges it entails. She emphasized the importance of supporting farmers, stating, “New Brunswick farmers have one of the most important jobs in the province and also one of the most challenging and stressful. We must do whatever we can to assist our farmers. This initiative will provide the tools and resources they need. We want our farmers to be safe, healthy, and happy.”

Funding for this groundbreaking initiative is made possible through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a monumental $3.5-billion, 5-year agreement spanning from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2028. This agreement between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments aims to bolster the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food, and agri‐based products sector. With $1 billion allocated to federal programs and activities and an additional $2.5 billion dedicated to cost-shared programs and activities, funded 60% by the federal government and 40% by provincial and territorial governments, the Sustainable CAP enables provinces and territories to spearhead and implement tailored initiatives to support their agricultural communities.

To effectively execute the New Brunswick Mental Health and Farm Safety Initiative, Agriculture NB, through the Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick, has appointed a dedicated mental health and farm safety coordinator. Collaborating with other provincial coordinators and organizations, this coordinator will play a pivotal role in creating, delivering, and promoting resources, workshops, information sessions, and material in both official languages, catering to the unique needs of the New Brunswick agricultural community. Anna Belliveau, CEO of the Agricultural Alliance of NB, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, stating, “The Agricultural Alliance of NB, the National Farmers Union in NB, and Really Local Harvest have worked together over the last year with partners to build the mental health and farm safety program for the NB farming community. We are looking forward to working with our coordinator and growing the program in the upcoming years.”

The urgency of addressing mental health in the farming community is underscored by a 2021 research study conducted by the University of Guelph. The study revealed that a staggering 76% of farmers reported experiencing moderate to high levels of perceived stress. Alarmingly, one in four Canadian farmers admitted to having thoughts of suicide in the past 24 months. These distressing statistics highlight the dire need for comprehensive support mechanisms, making the New Brunswick Mental Health and Farm Safety Initiative an invaluable step forward.

In conclusion, the advent of the New Brunswick Mental Health and Farm Safety Initiative ushers in a new era of support for farmers facing the pressures of their profession. By providing accessible resources, training, and assistance, this pioneering program ensures that the mental and physical well-being of New Brunswick’s agricultural communities is safeguarded. With the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership playing a crucial role in funding this initiative, and the active involvement of key agricultural organizations, the farming community is poised to receive the vital care it deserves. As the New Brunswick Mental Health and Farm Safety Initiative takes root, it holds the promise of transforming lives and securing a brighter future for farmers across the province.