Farm mental health program short on cash, says federation

Feb 02, 2018

The P.E.I. Federation of Agriculture is looking to the provincial Health Department to help it fund a mental health program for farmers and their families.

The Farmer Assistance Program, which has been operating for about 10 years, offers six sessions with a social worker or psychologist to deal with issues like stress, anxiety, depression or family conflicts.

Robert Godfrey, executive director of the P.E.I. Federation of Agriculture, said currently the program is paid for by the federation and the Agriculture Department. But Godfrey said it is operating on a shoestring budget. Without more help the program could be forced to change.

"I think the program will remain as long as we can afford it," said Godfrey.

"If we can't come up with further numbers in the years to come, we may have to look at restructuring so someone might have to pay $10 or $20 instead of free, but I really hope that isn't the case. I hope that it continues to be a free service for farmers."

Godfrey said he's heard a lot of success stories from the program.

It helps about 100 Islanders a year, at least 1,000 since the program started.

Source : CBC

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.