A not-for-profit foundation focused on addressing mental health challenges in Canadian agriculture will officially be launched in Edmonton next week at FarmTech.
The Do More Agriculture Foundation kicked off its online and social media presence this week.
The initiative is the brainchild of its four founders: Kim Keller, Lesley Rae Kelly, Himanshu Singh and Kirk Muyres.
“Do More Ag focuses on creating awareness about mental health in agriculture and breaking the stigma that currently exists while building a community of support and resources for those impacted and affected. We will help all producers realize they are not alone and they have an entire industry behind them,” reads the foundation’s website.
Research from the University of Guelph has shown Canadian farmers are vulnerable to mental health challenges, with higher rates of stress, anxiety, depression, emotional exhaustion and burnout among producers than other groups.
The foundation is seeking partners — individuals or businesses — who will contribute financially to help build support and resources for people affected by mental health challenges.
RealAgriculture will have more information, and conversations with the founders during FarmTech — Jan. 30-Feb. 1.
Our first tweet 🙂 We are championing the mental wellbeing of all producers. We envision culture in ag where we are all encouraged, empowered and supported to take care of our mental wellbeing. Help our industry break the stigma and build a community of support and resources.
— DoMoreAg (@domoreag) January 21, 2018
