Minister MacAulay announces launch of new initiative to promote mental wellbeing among producers in Canada
News release
March 6, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The life of a farmer is demanding and comes with different challenges and uncertainty. This can have a direct impact on mental health and our producers deserve access to mental health support, along with resources and tools that are tailored to their needs.
Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced the launch of the new $3-million Producer Mental Wellbeing Initiative (PMWI), delivered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, in partnership with the Privy Council Office's Impact Canada. This 3-year initiative aims to bring forward collaborative solutions that use creative, data-based approaches to help 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 2 pm EDT. For-profit organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and individuals registered to do business in Canada are encouraged to apply.
The 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.
Quotes
"Our producers do so much for us – often making personal sacrifices so they can deliver their top-quality products. Their mental health should not be something they have to sacrifice. Through this new initiative, we're giving Canadians an opportunity to come up with new solutions for producer mental wellbeing that will help reduce stigma and improve access to tailored support."
- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Quick facts
-
Agriculture is a demanding career, with its own set of unique stressors and challenges. More than ever, producers in Canada are opening up about their experiences of stress, depression and anxiety, making mental health in agriculture a growing concern.
-
Eligible applicants must be legal entities (such as a registered business, corporation or a not-for-profit organization) capable of entering into legally binding agreements in Canada.
-
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.
-
Underrepresented and marginalized groups in Canadian agriculture—including women, youth, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, visible minorities, 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and official language minority communities are encouraged to apply.
Associated links
Contacts
For media:
Annie Cullinan
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
annie.cullinan@agr.gc.ca
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
aafc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.aac@agr.gc.ca
Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
Web: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Page details
- Date modified: