Damage Control Project Management’s Post

So good that we are talking about this more here in Massachusetts, de-stigmatizing "mental health," and getting support to those who need it! "In the landscape of American agriculture, focusing on farmer’s #mentalhealth is somewhat new. In 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture launched the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, which provides grants to states to establish #networks connecting agriculture workers to stress assistance programs. "Using those funds, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources in 2023 launched MassGrown Wellness, a program to connect agricultural workers with mental health resources. This May, a statewide peer support group has been added to the program, for which Colman is a volunteer. “'Agriculture is a very stressful way of work and life, it has very high suicide rates,' said Greg Porell, project coordinator for the state Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. 'The U.S. Department of Agriculture has recognized this for a while, and finally started to fund (mental health) programs specifically for farmers.' "In a statewide survey of over 200 agricultural community members conducted in 2022, MDAR found that of the 80% of respondents who reported being aware of mental health and wellness resources, 63% neglected to use them. “'There’s a pretty significant stigma associated with farmer’s mental health and not being strong enough to solve their own problems, which is a major obstacle in the ag community,' said Porell. 'Farmers think that they should be able to handle things themselves.' "While post-pandemic rates of mental illness have skyrocketed nationally and as pressures on farms — both economic and weather-related — have risen, the plight of #farmers is dire. Now, farmers across Massachusetts are trying to come together to try to mitigate the burden." https://lnkd.in/efQ79zsY

🌾 Exploring the Rural Renaissance: Is the Future in the Country? When Contain Inc. was founded, urban farming was the anticipated focus. However, our journey uncovered a fascinating shift: rural living is on the rise. From backyard farmers to family ranches, rural communities are thriving with diverse lifestyles. Discover the unexpected findings and trends driving this rural resurgence, from pandemic-driven migration to shifting values among Gen Z. Click the link to learn more about the evolving rural landscape. ⤵ #ruralliving #genz #remoteworking #community https://lnkd.in/eW2pjCdV

https://ab.co/3KailHf This ABC Online article highlights a growing trend of Australians relocating from cities to regional areas, driven by affordability, remote work, and lifestyle changes. However, established farmers emphasise the need for newcomers to understand biosecurity risks, which include disease outbreaks, invasive pests, and weeds. These can have severe impacts on agriculture and food production. Experts advise newcomers to learn about local biosecurity requirements, such as property identification codes for livestock and maintaining clean equipment to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. This trend is crucial for the Landcare NSW community as it underscores the need for increased biosecurity awareness and education among new rural residents. Ensuring that newcomers are informed about biosecurity practices can help protect local ecosystems, agricultural productivity, and community resilience against potential threats. This aligns with Landcare NSW's goals of promoting sustainable land management and safeguarding natural resources. Landcare NSW Local Land Services NSW Department of Primary Industries

Both the federal government and the Ontario government have committed to investing up to $538,000 to expand the Farmer Wellness Initiative to Ontario farm workers. This initiative is made possible through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP.) Approximately $178,000 of these funds will be dedicated to supporting the delivery of these mental health services in Spanish. According to a 2021 study conducted by the University of Guelph, 76% of farmers experience moderate or high stress.* The Farmer Wellness Initiative is a suite of free programming managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division. It provides hardworking farmers, farm workers and their family members with unlimited access to a free, 24/7 phone, connecting them to tailored mental health counselling, with services that include crisis counselling, risk assessments, and face-to-face, phone or video sessions with a counsellor. Long hours spent on the farm and other unique challenges in agriculture can make it very difficult for farmers to prioritize their mental health. This initiative makes mental health resources will be more accessible to support the individuals who work so hard to grow food for people across Ontario and throughout the world. This builds on a series of recently launched free mental health supports for workers in the farming sector and supports the priorities of the Ontario government’s Grow Ontario Strategy. 🌾 Learn more about the program at: https://lnkd.in/gcFQxCU9 #FarmerWellnessInitiative #SustainableCAP #MentalHealthSupport #OntarioFarming #FarmWorkerHealth #OntarioGovernment #AgriculturalWellness

Living around farmers, I knew they had a hard job, but didn't realize how hard until I was writing about it. My latest for Modern Farmer is about those creating solutions and connections in agriculture communities. In it, I cover great people at various organizations including T.U.G.S (Talking, Understanding, Growing, Supporting), Agrisafe, US Farm Bureau, and Seeds of Wellbeing. Everyone I spoke with was a beautiful, authentic, heart-centered human doing great work. I have a Farmer Wellness explainer for EcoWatch coming out soon too that goes more in-depth about what those in agriculture face on the daily, including resources, and how you can help.

Cultivating Mental Resilience: Insights from Australian Farmers on Navigating the Challenges #Agriculture #MentalHealth #AustralianFarmers #Resilience #Webinar #FarmLife #WellBeing #Challenges #CommunitySupport In the aftermath of challenging agricultural seasons and amidst uncertain gardening prospects across various regions in Australia, the awareness of mental health and education stands as a crucial determinant. This article delves into the significance of mental well-being on farms, especially in the Australian context, and […] https://lnkd.in/gupgEsUp

Economic and environmental conditions make farming and ranching a stressful occupation. While awareness of mental health issues has increased since COVID-19, attention to addressing the mental and emotional well-being of agricultural workers lags behind. The Coffee Break Project, an initiative developed by agricultural community members, is intended to raise awareness of stress and mental health concerns among farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers and use the relational networks that exist in rural agricultural communities to address these issues.  https://lnkd.in/gAKN-i-j #mentalhealth

The CLA has published an article on the challenges of rural isolation. They spoke to FCN as part of this piece: https://lnkd.in/edti3gwg This included highlighting recommendations from FCN's recent research into isolation and loneliness in farming communities with University of Exeter's Centre for Rural Policy Research, which includes:  ▪️ Increased community engagement with agriculture: initiatives like farm tours, educational programs, or events connecting people with local food sources can foster understanding.  ▪️ Improved public dialogue: open conversations about food and farming can address misconceptions and create empathy for the challenges farmers face.  ▪️ Supporting local food networks: connecting farmers directly with consumers fosters appreciation for the work involved.  ▪️ Government support: streamlining regulations and paperwork while ensuring responsible practices can alleviate stress for farmers. Thanks to Thomas Wedd for working with FCN on this article. #farminghelp #farminglife #backbritishfarming #loneliness #isolation #farming #agriculture

Both the federal government and the Ontario government have committed to investing up to $538,000 to expand the Farmer Wellness Initiative to Ontario farm workers. This initiative is made possible through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP.) Approximately $178,000 of these funds will be dedicated to supporting the delivery of these mental health services in Spanish. According to a 2021 study conducted by the University of Guelph, 76% of farmers experience moderate or high stress.* The Farmer Wellness Initiative is a suite of free programming managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division. It provides hardworking farmers, farm workers and their family members with unlimited access to a free, 24/7 phone, connecting them to tailored mental health counselling, with services that include crisis counselling, risk assessments, and face-to-face, phone or video sessions with a counsellor. Long hours spent on the farm and other unique challenges in agriculture can make it very difficult for farmers to prioritize their mental health. This initiative makes mental health resources will be more accessible to support the individuals who work so hard to grow food for people across Ontario and throughout the world. This builds on a series of recently launched free mental health supports for workers in the farming sector and supports the priorities of the Ontario government’s Grow Ontario Strategy. 🌾 Learn more about the program at: https://lnkd.in/gavu-twn #FarmerWellnessInitiative #SustainableCAP #MentalHealthSupport #OntarioFarming #FarmWorkerHealth #OntarioGovernment #AgriculturalWellness

Evululuko community garden aid: Maria David IN an effort to address food security in the country, the University of Namibia (UNAM) handed over building materials worth over N$170,000 to the Evululuko Community Garden on Friday. This was done through the Nourishing Spaces Project, introduced by UNAM in 2017, where a group of researchers was awarded a grant to understand the connection between non-communicable diseases and the urban food system. UNAM representative Ndeyapo Nickanor said that urban food systems are undergoing major transformations, urban poverty is increasing, urbanization is rising, and so are consumption patterns. * * * * --- According to Nickanor, the Nourishing Spaces Project, introduced in 2017, was initially supposed to end in 2020, but due to COVID-19, it suffered major setbacks. Consequently, a research study was conducted to offer insights into the lived experience of changing food systems and urban systems in relation to diet-related NCDs in two low-income neighbourhoods in Namibia. “The format of the research was through a participatory process, engaging local government officials, community food systems, and community members,” she said. She added that, considering these unhealthy diets and the significant changes in dietary patterns, the project team resolved that support to the community would come in the form of material donations. Speaking at the same occasion, Oshana Governor Elia Irimari said that they are currently witnessing a rise in the number of individuals migrating from rural constituencies to Oshakati. While this influx brings diversity and potential, it also contributes to a high unemployment rate among newcomers. Irimari indicated that local industries have yet to expand sufficiently to absorb the growing workforce. “I urge each of you to embrace the presence of researchers in our community. By responding thoughtfully to their questions, we can leverage their insights to improve our lives,” he said. He added that it is in their best interest to collaborate and share experiences, as this knowledge can lead to sustainable solutions for all. The post Evululuko community garden aid appeared first on Informanté.