Alberta government increases funding for mental health research and support

The Agricultural Research and Extension Council of Alberta is receiving $388,500 to generate awareness and expand mental health research and supports available to farmers through AgKnow.

The AgKnow Alberta Farmer Mental Health Network was established in 2022 with a $524,500 Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) grant.

The funding will build on the work AgKnow is doing to raise awareness and support mental health. This includes developing, promoting, and delivering:

• More evidence-based mental health programs, tools, and learning resources to help farm families and farming communities thrive.
• Education and learning resources to help therapists, health care providers, and community service organizations understand farm culture, the issues farmers face, and the supports available to address mental health concerns.

RJ Sigurdson, Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, says this funding will help advance farm mental health research and education, while providing more resources for farmers and farm families.

“It’s essential for AgKnow to continue to bringing awareness on mental health, and help farm families get the supports they need to manage life’s stressors,” Sigurdson explains.

This funding is provided through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) which is helping Alberta build a stronger and more resilient agricultural sector for generations to come.