Photo above by Caroline Veronez on Unsplash
On January 22, 2205, the Ontario provincial and federal governments announced that two initiatives designed to meet the mental health needs of the agricultural community will continue for the next three years thanks to close to $10 million in new funding.
With this new funding, the Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) Agriculture Wellness Ontario will continue delivering its Farmer Wellness Initiative and Guardian Network programs through the end of 2027. This investment will help ensure farmers continue to have access to critical mental health services and support as they navigate the challenges of their demanding industry.
The Farmer Wellness Initiative provides farmers, farm workers, and their family members in Ontario with unlimited access to a free, 24/7 phone line that connects them to tailored mental health counselling. Services offered through the phone line include crisis and ongoing counselling support. The line recently expanded to offer services in Spanish to better serve international agricultural workers, in addition to being offered in English and French.
The Guardian Network is a peer-driven community of mental health advocates who live and work in Ontario’s agricultural communities. A Guardian is an individual who is likely to be in contact with farmers through their work, volunteer activities, or their place in their community. Through Guardian Network training, Guardians are equipped with strategies and tools to identify when someone is struggling with their mental health or having thoughts of suicide; have constructive conversations about their struggles and open the discussion around mental health; and connect individuals with appropriate mental health and crisis resources.
“There are so many joys that come with farming, but our producers also face unique challenges that can have a direct impact on their mental health,” explained the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “Through this shared investment under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, farmers across Ontario will continue to have better access to the tailored mental health tools and supports they need when they need them.”
Added Rob Flack, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness: “Ontario’s farmers and farm workers work tirelessly to put food on our tables, and this investment ensures they have support when they need it. With these mental health programs, help is just a phone call away, making a real difference for individuals and strengthening the entire agriculture and food industry.”
Sylvia Jones, the Ontario Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, said, “Our government is taking action to improve access to mental health support services that better reflect the needs of people who are experiencing mental health challenges.
She continued, “Through this investment, our government is taking another step to ensure farmers, farm workers, and their families can connect to essential mental health services, tailored to their unique needs, building a healthier, more resilient sector.”
Camille Quenneville, the Chief Executive Officer of CMHA Ontario, stated, “The well-being of our farmers and agricultural workers is critical to ensuring they can continue their important work. We are so grateful for this funding, as it will give farmers and their families access to the mental health services and community they need to thrive, both personally and professionally."
The Farmer Wellness Initiative and Guardian Network have been operating successfully since 2022. As part of the Agriculture Wellness Ontario suite of programs, these specialized services are committed to bringing mental health education, counselling services, and enhanced community support to rural and agricultural communities across the province.
Funding for these initiatives primarily comes from the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). The Sustainable CAP is a five-year (2023-2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food, and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 percent federally and 40 percent provincially/territorially for programs designed and delivered by the provinces and territories.
For more information on the Farmer Wellness Initiative and Guardian Network, or to become involved, visit www.agriculturewellnessontario.ca.