AgCulture: A Mental Health in Agriculture Literacy Program

August 23, 2021

The Do More Agriculture Foundation (Do More Ag) is proud to announce the latest addition to our programs: AgCulture. Over the past few years we have received feedback from many farmers across the country on the lack of understanding of agriculture in mental health professionals.

Since receiving this information, Do More Ag began a campaign to source mental health professionals with lived agriculture experience. The result has been over a dozen professionals who understand agriculture being listed on their resource page. In realizing this number was not enough to serve all producers, Do More Ag decided to build and provide an agriculture literacy course to bridge the gap and help mental health professionals build a therapeutic relationship with producers. The result, is AgCulture; a mental health in agriculture literacy program developed to

•  build awareness of the agriculture industry and the unique stressors facing Canadian producers, 

• further educate mental health professionals who may not have extensive or direct experience on the farm, and 

• improve relatability between a farmer and mental health professional so that an effective therapeutic relationship can be built and maintained.

“Farmers are more likely to participate in support programs offered by providers familiar with agriculture and that cater to the unique needs of farmers.”

— Healthy Minds Healthy Farms Report by FMC

AgCulture is a 4-hour live course with 4 modules delivered by a mental health professional and fellow farmer with 3-4 hours of required industry pre-reading. These modules give an understanding of the unique obstacles producers face when it comes to their mental health, building therapeutic relationships, strategies for practical application, and navigating farmer self care.

“We are very proud to be launching this program and hope it not only bridges the industry knowledge gap, but allows producers to feel more comfortable reaching out for help. With the current stress this year especially, having more mental health professionals on the ground to work with producers is something we are very proud to be a part of.”

— Adelle Stewart, Executive Director of The Do More Agriculture Foundation

Do More Ag will be hosting the first AgCulture session on November 8 virtually. To register for the event or to share with friends, family, and colleagues please visit our registration page here.

Registered social worker, psychologist, mental health nurse practitioner or equivalent mental health professional, with 5 years experience in their relative field are encouraged to complete the following course to help further the support for producers across Canada.

“As health care professionals we are always striving to build an effective therapeutic relationship. Individuals involved in agriculture benefit from a therapeutic lens that endorses the unique skills, and barriers farmers experience. AgCulture introduces therapists to both the current experience in agriculture, as well as specific strategies geared to meet the needs of farmers.”

— Lauren Van Ewyk, AgCulture Facilitator

Have further questions or inquiries about AgCulture? Please contact us at hello@domore.ag.