Ottawa Announces New Program to Support Producer Mental Health

The federal government has launched a new $3-million program that will seek new ways of helping to support producers' mental health. 

Announced Thursday, the Producer Mental Wellbeing Initiative (PMWI) will aim to bring forward “collaborative solutions that use creative, data-based approaches to help improve the wellbeing of producers; reduce the stigma around mental health in agriculture; raise awareness; and offer the support producers need, when they need it.” said a government statement. 

"Our producers do so much for us – often making personal sacrifices so they can deliver their top-quality products. Their mental health should not be something they have to sacrifice,” said Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay. 

Surveys of Canadian farmers have found that many experience high stress, anxiety, and depression due to such factors as long work hours, isolation, high debt, and lack of control over things like the weather and markets. A national survey in 2015 found that 45% of farmers had high stress, 35% met the criteria for depression, and 58% met the criteria for anxiety. 

Canadian producers now also have the stress of a U.S.-initiated trade war, which could further dent farm revenues. 

The PMWI will use a three-stage approach to move innovators through the process of proposing, developing, and implementing their solutions. At each stage, a jury, made up of subject matter experts, will recommend which innovative solutions move to the next stage and receive funding. Two grand prize winners will ultimately receive up to $500,000 each to scale their solutions, grow their impact and increase the potential to support the wellbeing of more producers across the country. 

The PMWI is now open for application intake until June 3, 2025 at 2 p.m. EDT. For-profit organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and individuals registered to do business in Canada are encouraged to apply.