Farm workers get access to mental health support

The Farmer Wellness Initiative (FWI) is getting $538,000 to diversify its free agriculture-based mental health services.

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The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership funding allows expanded FWI programming for Ontario farmers, farm workers and their families, including $178,000 to develop Spanish-speaking mental health services to serve international agricultural workers better.

“The entire agricultural community experiences unique stressors that require tailored solutions,” said Rob Flack, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “By increasing access to mental health services for everyone involved in the business of farming, we are supporting those who work hard to grow our sector and provide food for people across Ontario and throughout the world.”

Why it matters: The free 24/7 phone line provides unlimited access to tailored mental health support, including crisis counselling, risk assessments and face-to-face or video sessions with a counsellor.

“Farmers and folks working on our farms often work long hours and face unique challenges that can make it difficult to prioritize their mental health,” said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “Through this initiative under Sustainable CAP, mental health resources will be more accessible, providing these hard-working people the tools they need, when they need them most.”

Since its launch in January 2022, the FWI has supported 617 farmers and their families across Canada. The provincial and federal governments have invested $5,306,244 into the initiative to provide mental health access in French and English, and now Spanish. “Farmers face unique mental health challenges as they work, day in and day out, to provide the resources we all need,” said Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “They deserve reliable and accessible services to support their well-being.”