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Do More Ag Undertakes Project To Better Understand Industry Needs

Reference: Do More Ag

Saskatchewan, January 11, 2023 – The Do More Agriculture Foundation (Do More Ag), which serves as the national leader, voice, and champion for mental health in Canadian agriculture, is undertaking a research project to better understand the state of mental health awareness, educational offerings, and resource delivery in the Canadian agricultural industry.

Do More Ag seeks to identify current gaps in mental health resources for the industry as a whole, specifically the gaps that exist for traditionally underrepresented and marginalized groups such as: Women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, 2SLGBTQI+, persons with disabilities and racialized communities. Do More Ag will also identify collaborative next steps that can be taken to continue to champion the well-being of all individuals within the industry.

Do More Ag is collaborating with Wilton Consulting Group (WCG), Openly, and Bonnie Taylor to conduct: workshops; an environmental scan; key informant interviews; surveys; and focus groups. These activities will inform the final report to be released in the second quarter of 2023.

This project is funded (up to $76,756) in part by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s AgriDiversity Program, a federal initiative.

“I applaud Do More Ag for its important role in helping to bring the unique mental health challenges facing producers and their families to light within Canada’s agricultural industry. This collaborative project serves to boost necessary mental health resources for underrepresented and marginalized groups. We will continue to support projects that improve mental well-being and work towards inclusivity in agriculture,” says the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“In order to change the culture in agriculture to one where all individuals are supported and empowered to take care of their mental well-beings, we must also create a culture and industry where all are welcome, lifted up and the specific needs of each individual and group are addressed. I am very thankful for the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s and Minister Bibeau’s support through AgriDiversity and for the incredible individuals involved in this project. Their openness to share and their willingness to have the hard conversations are vital to creating change,” says Megz Reynolds, Executive Director of Do More Ag.

“We are pleased to work with Do More Ag to advance efforts to support mental health in the agricultural community,” says Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, the Principal and Lead Consultant at WCG. “The project will build on other key research in the industry, including Farm Management Canada’s Healthy Minds, Healthy Farms. This 2020 study, for example, found women and youth report higher stress.”

Openly will lead the developmental evaluation of Do More Ag’s overall contribution and impact through its outreach, engagement, and program offerings.

Bonnie Taylor, a Psychotherapist and Registered Social Worker in Ontario, is serving as the Farmer Mental Health Expert Advisor for this project. “I am excited to be a part of this project with Do More Ag, as I understand the unique needs and stressors of farmers and producers,” says Taylor. “I recognize the importance of creating an accessible and unique mental health support system to foster positive mental health, reduce stress, and improve overall mental health. This project will serve as an important step in that journey.”

About The Do More Agriculture Foundation:

The Do More Agriculture Foundation is the national voice and champion for mental health in Canadian agriculture and is changing the culture to one where all are encouraged, supported, and empowered to take care of their mental wellbeing. By collaborating with industry, government, and those working to address mental health, we can, and will, make a substantial Impact.

About AgriDiversity:

The AgriDiversity Program aims to help underrepresented groups in Canadian agriculture, including youth, women, Indigenous Peoples, and persons with disabilities, to fully participate in the sector by helping these groups address the key issues and barriers they often face for sector participation.

About Wilton Consulting Group:

Wilton Consulting Group (WCG) is based in Fergus, ON, and focuses on facilitating sustainability and innovation in agri-food and rural systems through a change management approach. WCG offers a specialized agri-food sector research consulting service with deep connections across the Canadian industry. WCG’s research strengths draw upon a wide range of qualitative and quantitative methods and approaches. WCG collaborated with Farm Management Canada on its Healthy Minds, Healthy Farms study. WCG has also supported such national clients as the Canadian Federation of Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute.

About Openly:

Openly is a certified B-Corp™ company co-founded in 2017 by Lisa Watson and Tanya Darisi to channel their commitment to equity, inclusion and meaningful social impact. Openly exists to support changemakers across sectors in achieving and amplifying their social impact. Since its launch, Openly has grown into a networked practice that offers connection to a full suite of field leaders and subject matter experts.

About Bonnie Taylor:

Bonnie Taylor grew up in a rural agricultural area, and currently lives on a farm outside of Waterloo, ON. Bonnie is a Psychotherapist and Registered Social Worker and has a private practice offering therapy services remotely. Over the past 25 years, Bonnie has demonstrated her passion about providing mental health support to individuals (14+), couples and families in Ontario. Her areas of specialization include anxiety, depression, stress, grief/loss, relationship challenges, life transitions, disabilities, chronic or acquired health conditions... Read More