The federal government and Ontario are investing up to $538,000 to expand the Farmer Wellness Initiative, a mental health program for farm workers in Ontario.
The expansion, funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), includes nearly $178,000 specifically for services in Spanish, catering to the needs of international agricultural workers, according to a press release issued by the province.
24/7 hotline
The Farmer Wellness Initiative, delivered by Agriculture Wellness Ontario under the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division, offers a 24/7 phone line providing unlimited access to mental health counselling tailored to farmers, farm workers, and their families.
The initiative, which now includes farm workers, offers crisis counselling, risk assessments, and counselling sessions via phone, video, or in person.
“As a farmer myself, I understand the long hours and unique challenges that can make it difficult to prioritize mental health,” said Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “This initiative under Sustainable CAP makes mental health resources more accessible, giving these hard-working individuals the tools they need, when they need them most.”
Rob Flack, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, emphasized the importance of expanding services to all members of the agricultural community.
“By increasing access to mental health services for everyone involved in farming, we support those who work hard to grow our sector and provide food for people across Ontario and the world,” Flack said.
Unique mental health challenges
The initiative’s expansion aligns with the Ontario government’s Grow Ontario Strategy, which aims to strengthen the agri-food supply chain and attract local agri-food talent. Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, highlighted the unique mental health challenges faced by farmers. “The Farmer Wellness Initiative is expanding access to care, ensuring farmers, farm workers, and their families can connect to quality mental health services tailored to their needs,” Tibollo said.
Sustainable CAP is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments to enhance the competitiveness, innovation, and resilience of Canada’s agriculture sector. This initiative includes $1 billion in federal programs and $2.5 billion cost-shared between federal and provincial/territorial governments.
Since its launch in January 2022, the Farmer Wellness Initiative has supported 617 farmers and their families, with the new funding enabling farm workers to access services in Spanish in addition to English and French. A 2021 University of Guelph study found that 76 per cent of farmers experience moderate to high stress, underscoring the need for accessible mental health support.
Bill George, Chair of the Labour Committee at the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association, praised the inclusion of international agricultural workers. “The expansion showcases Ontario’s commitment to ensuring all workers have access to the same services and protections,” George said.
Martin Varela, Chairman of the Migrant Worker Community Program, highlighted the significance of mental health care for migrant workers. “Recognizing the issues workers face, such as family separation and cultural changes, this initiative will help migrant workers feel understood and cared for, enriching the community and creating a more inclusive and compassionate society,” Varela said.