New initiative launched to promote mental wellbeing among Canadian producers

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has announced the launch of the new $3-million Producer Mental Wellbeing Initiative (PMWI).

This 3-year initiative, delivered in partnership with the Privy Council Office’s Impact Canada, aims to bring forward collaborative solutions that use creative, data-based approaches to 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.

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

This initiative will use a 3-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.

AAFC will convene an independent and voluntary jury composed of subject matter experts, including representatives of the private sector, stakeholder groups, and academia, to assist in the assessment of applications. The jury panel will be announced in Spring 2025.