Governments of Canada and Manitoba invest in mental health and wellness for agriculture producers
News release
January 21, 2026 – Brandon, Manitoba – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The governments of Canada and Manitoba are renewing their financial support for the mental health and wellness of Manitoba’s agricultural community, announcing a 2-year, $300,000 extension to the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program (MFWP) through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today.
The program is designed specifically for the agriculture community, providing counselling services delivered by professionals with agricultural literacy. These counsellors understand the unique stressors farmers, farm families, and agricultural employees face, including extreme weather events, market volatility, rising input costs, labour challenges, and the demands of running multi-generational family operations and provides targeted supports to address these stressors.
The MFWP was created in response to the increasingly complex challenges farmers face. Built on principles of accessibility, confidentiality, and agricultural literacy, the program provides timely, no-cost counselling tailored to farmers, their families, and farm employees. It reduces barriers to support by offering flexible, farmer-centered care, helping participants manage financial pressures, family conflicts, operational stress, or personal well-being challenges.
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a 5-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food, and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
Quotes
“Farmers and their families face many unique challenges that can take a real toll on mental health. By extending support for the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program, we’re ensuring that producers have access to confidential, farm-focused counselling when they need it most. This investment is about strengthening resilience and helping our agricultural community thrive in an increasingly complex environment.”
- The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“The Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program has proven its value through measurable outcomes, helping reduce stress, prevent burnout, and provide tools and support for producers to manage the demands of modern agriculture. This continued funding will allow the program to expand services, maintain timely access to counselling, and support those in underserved areas such as farm employees and agricultural service providers.”
- Ron Kostyshyn, Manitoba Minister of Agriculture
“This investment recognizes something farmers have been telling us for years: caring for producers means supporting both their operations and their well‑being. Ensuring timely, confidential access to mental health services is essential to helping farmers, farm families and agricultural workers stay resilient through the pressures and uncertainties of modern agriculture. This continued partnership strengthens our ability to be there for the people who feed our province and our country.”
- Gerry Friesen, Chief Administrative Officer, Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program
Quick facts
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Since its launch in 2022, MFWP has steadily expanded. From 2023/24 to 2025/26, participation and counselling sessions increased, reflecting growing awareness and trust. The program continues to promote mental wellness and coping strategies through workshops, presentations, and multimedia resources, reaching farmers, farm families, and agricultural workers across Manitoba.
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The 2-year extension will provide $150,000 per year for 2026/27 and 2027/28, enabling MFWP to sustain and expand professional counselling services for Manitoba’s agricultural community.
Associated links
Contacts
Jennica Klassen
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
jennica.klassen@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
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