Canadian government backs efforts to improve mental and physical health of industry members
Staff Writer
Farms.com
The government of Canada is helping ag industry members protect their overall well-being.
Lawrence MacAulay, minister of agriculture and agri-food, has authorized Farm Credit Canada (FCC) to “work with and support like-minded organizations to assist Canadian producers with mental health issues through greater awareness and knowledge dissemination,” a Tuesday Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) release said. FCC will ensure services and supports for mental and physical health become more accessible in rural Canada.
The initiative stems from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food’s recent “Mental Health Challenges that Canadian Farmers, Ranchers, and Producers Face” study and its report based on testimonies from industry members.
FCC, in association with 4-H Canada and other industry partners, is developing a nation-wide 4-H Healthy Living Initiative to support the physical and mental health of youth. FCC will donate $50,000 to the program, which will be accessible to over 7,700 volunteer leaders and 25,000 4-H members in the country.
“This is an investment in young people who will play a large role in shaping the future of Canadian agriculture,” said Michael Hoffort, FCC president and CEO, in the release. “To help them reach their full potential, we are supporting a program that contributes to the mental and physical well-being of our next generation of farmers, and agribusiness professionals.”
FCC has also partnered with experts in mental health to develop a collection of stress and anxiety management resources titled Rooted in Strength.
AAFC is also working with Farm Management Canada to explore the connection between farm business management choices and mental health.
Farms.com has reached out to producers for comment.
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