By Liam Verster

Feds support mental health programs for farmers

Mar 8, 2023 | 1:42 PM

The federal government is investing in a group that supports the mental health of Canadian farmers.

The Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing (CCAW) is receiving a federal investment of $168,440.

The funds will help the non-profit spread awareness and multiply available resources for the agricultural community.

“Farmers have a very demanding job and deal with a lot of stress,” Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, said at the inaugural National Symposium on Agricultural Mental Health, which this funding helped create.

“Mental health issues are so often taboo in the sector, which is why initiatives like the ones created by the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing are so essential to open the dialogue and, ultimately, save lives.”

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The CCAW works with national and global leaders in agricultural mental health to conduct research and develop programming and education that addresses challenges related to the well-being of Canadian farmers.

“The Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing is very pleased to work in partnership with Agriculture and Agri-food Canada to develop evidence-based programming and supports for the well-being of Canadian farmers,” Dr. Briana Hagen, Chief Executive Officer and Lead Scientist, Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing, said.

“Together, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing, will continue to eliminate barriers to accessing mental health services across the country.”

As of time of publication, CCAW had not responded to Vernon Matters’ request for comment on what other programs this funding would support, or if any programs or initiatives are located in the Okanagan.