Federal funding to support farm safety programs across Canada

The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) will receive just over $1 million in federal funding over the next two years to continue farm safety programming, training initiatives, and injury prevention efforts across Canada.

The investment amounts to $1.07 million through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s AgriCompetitiveness Program.

According to CASA, the funding will support a range of activities aimed at reducing injuries and fatalities on farms, including national awareness campaigns, youth safety programming, grain safety training, mental health resources, and the collection of agricultural injury data.

“Meaningful progress in agricultural safety requires collaboration and sustained investment,” said Sandra Miler, executive director of CASA. “This funding commitment enables us to deliver programs and resources that help prevent injuries, save lives, and strengthen the safety culture across Canada’s agricultural sector.”

Among the initiatives receiving support is BeGrainSafe, a program focused on raising awareness of grain entrapment hazards and providing rescue training for first responders. Funding will also help CASA continue Safety Days and Kids FarmSafe Week, which are aimed at teaching children and youth about farm hazards.

The organization will also work with industry partners to share safety information and best practices with producers across the country.

While agriculture remains one of Canada’s most hazardous industries, national injury statistics show progress has been made. From 2006 to 2020, agriculture-related fatalities declined to an average of 70 deaths annually, down from an average of 110 deaths per year between 1990 and 2005.

However, young people continue to face risks on farms. Data cited by CASA shows an average of nine children and youth died each year from agriculture-related injuries between 2006 and 2020.

In addition to physical safety initiatives, CASA plans to expand mental health resources and develop tools tailored to women working in agriculture.

The funding will be delivered over two years and support farm safety programming across Canada through 2028.