Mental health resources can make a real difference in helping our agricultural communities stay resilient and supported

As we move into the busy spring season and warmer weather brings renewed activity across Canada’s farms, it’s an important time to reflect on the mental health and well-being of those working on the front lines of agriculture. While producers face unique seasonal pressures, we also recognize the crucial role each of you plays in supporting them, whether through policy, regulation, or emergency response. Sharing and promoting mental health resources can make a real difference in helping our agricultural communities stay resilient and supported.

To support our producers and partners during what can be a high-pressure time, we’re sharing a curated list of mental health and wellness resources tailored to the agriculture community. These tools are designed to help producers and support organizations manage stress, build resilience, and access critical supports when needed.

Farm-focused Mental Health Support

• Rooted in Resilience – Farm Credit Canada: Includes a Mental Wellness Self-Assessment Tool (PDF) to help producers reflect on their mental wellbeing.
• Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing: Offers the National Farmer Wellness Network Crisis Line and literacy training for healthcare providers through the Canadian Agricultural Literacy Program.
• Do More Agriculture Foundation: Features a curated list of mental health resources and AgTalk, a peer-support community for producers.
• Farm Management Canada: Focuses on the intersection of mental health and sound farm business practices.
• The First Sixteen Podcast – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada:
• Episode 10: Explores mental health on the farm.
• Episode 13: Provides a farmer’s personal perspective.
• Episode 14: Highlights efforts to reduce stigma in the agricultural community.

Managing Financial Stress

• Farm Debt Mediation Service: A confidential service to help producers manage financial pressures and explore options.

Catastrophic Events Toolkits

• A suite of tools to support professionals and responders:
• Medical and Mental Health Care Professionals Toolkit
• Crisis Liaison Toolkit
• Disease-specific Fact Sheets on Avian Influenza, African Swine Fever, and Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea

Producer Focused Initiative

• Producer Mental Health Wellbeing Initiative – A program designed to provide tailored mental wellness supports to farmers and their families.

Other Key Mental Health Resources

• Government of Canada – Mental Health and Wellness
• Preventing Suicide – When and How to Get Help
• 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: A nationwide, free, and confidential crisis line.

Please feel free to circulate these resources within your teams and networks.