The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $538,000 through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to expand the Farmer Wellness Initiative to Ontario farm workers.

"As a farmer myself, I know that farmers and folks working on our farms often work long hours and face unique challenges that can make it difficult to prioritize their mental health. Through this initiative under Sustainable CAP, mental health resources will be more accessible, providing these hard-working people the tools they need, when they need them most."

- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"The expansion of services to farm workers and their families reflects the reality that the entire agricultural community experiences unique stressors that require tailored solutions. By increasing access to mental health services for everyone involved in the business of farming, we are supporting those who work hard to grow our sector and provide food for people across Ontario and throughout the world."

- The Honourable Rob Flack, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness

"Farmers face unique mental health challenges as they work, day in and day out, to provide the resources we all need. They deserve reliable and accessible services to support their wellbeing. The expansion of the Farmer Wellness Initiative aligns with our Roadmap to Wellness plan, which is making it possible for everyone in Ontario to access timely and high-quality mental health services in every community across the province."

- Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

"We're pleased to see this much-needed expansion of the Farmer Wellness Initiative. Through our ongoing interaction with the agricultural community, Agriculture Wellness Ontario consistently hears about the challenges faced by farmers and farm workers. This is an important next step in the evolution of ag-based mental health supports in Ontario."

- Camille Quenneville, CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario

"Agricultural workers play a vital role in growing our local fruits and vegetables in Ontario. We were particularly happy to see that the expansion of Ontario's Farmer Wellness Initiative includes international agricultural workers, which showcases Ontario's commitment to ensuring they have access to the same services and protections as Ontarians doing the same job."

- Bill George, Chair of Labour Committee, Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers' Association

"Mental health care is essential as it significantly improves the well-being of migrant workers. Therefore, it is necessary to recognize the types of issues that workers face, such as family separation and cultural changes. For this reason, we are very grateful that the Governments of Canada and Ontario are expanding the Farmer Wellness Initiative to Ontario farm workers and supporting the delivery of services in Spanish. This initiative will help migrant workers feel understood and cared for, preparing them for their daily challenges. This service enriches the community, creating a more inclusive and compassionate society for all."

- Martin Varela, Chairman, Migrant Worker Community Program

• Since its January 2022 launch, the Farmer Wellness Initiative has been supporting 617 farmers and their families.

•  In total, the governments of Canada and Ontario have invested $5,306,244 into the initiative.

• With this new funding, farm workers can now access services in Spanish in addition to English and French by calling 1-866-267-6255.

• According to a 2021 study conducted by the University of Guelph, 76% of farmers experience moderate or high stress.

• Supporting and empowering farmers to take care of their mental health was among the priorities set for Sustainable CAP by the federal-provincial-territorial agricultural ministers in The Guelph Statement.

• Sustainable CAP will help enable the goals outlined in Ontario's Grow Ontario Strategy, which includes increasing total agri-food sector employment by 10% by 2032.

Associated links

• Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
• Farmer Wellness Initiative
• AAFC’s Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
• Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
• Grow Ontario

For media:

Annie Cullinan
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
annie.cullinan@agr.gc.ca

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
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Sam McCormick, Minister's Office
Sam.McCormick@Ontario.ca

Connie Osborne
Communications Branch
OMAFRA.media@ontario.ca
519-826-3145