The Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program is getting a financial boost over the next three years courtesy of the provincial and federal governments.
They are combining to provide 450 thousand dollars over that time, with the federal funding coming from the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
Federal Agricultural Minister Lawrence MacAulay noted that this program is different from other mental health services available, as it is rooted in agriculture, and the counsellors are familiar with the unique stressors of managing an agri-business such as seasonality of operations, the impact of extreme climate events, global and market fluctuations and the dynamics of rural living.
The Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program is a non-profit organization that was launched in 2022 and addresses the mental health of farmers, farm families, and farm workers for free with access beyond crisis intervention to longer-term counseling support that helps prevent a mental health crisis.
The funding will support efforts to ensure consistent and professional service delivery and a standardized onboarding for new counsellors.
Dauphin MLA and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn says the program is a pivotal resource for farmers, their families, and employees.
He notes the 450 thousand dollars is a sound investment adding that by just talking with industry they know there is a need for the importance of such an organization.
