Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing holds National Symposium on Agricultural Mental Health

Mar 09, 2023

The Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing (CCAW) continues to gain support and build resources.

Yesterday, during the CCAW's first National Symposium on Agricultural Mental Health, Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau announced up to $168,440 to help the group spread awareness and multiply the resources available to the ag sector.

She says farmers have a very demanding job and deal with a lot of stress.

"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."

The CCAW was initially launched in November of 2022, and brings together national and global leaders in the agricultural mental health field to conduct research, develop programming and education related to the well-being of Canadian farmers.

The mission of the new not-for-profit organization is to lead research and roll out initiatives in collaboration with community organizations across the country to address farmers' wellness challenges.

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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.