Agriculture is more than a business; it's a way of life. Albertan farmers are dedicated to their land, livestock, families, and rural communities. While actively contributing to the local and global food supply, they face significant pressures to sustain their operation and preserve extensive farm family legacies amidst the daily challenges of farm life – Unpredictable weather, financial stress, equipment breakdowns, lack of manpower, isolation, constantly shifting markets, changing consumer preferences, and regulatory pressure are just some of the stressors impacting Alberta farmers. Research indicates that these challenges contribute to a higher prevalence of depression, anxiety, and burnout among farmers compared to the general population.

AgKnow, the Alberta Farm Mental Health Network, has been established in direct response to the expressed need for mental health support within Alberta’s agriculture community. At AgKnow, we provide effective support and evidence-based, practical resources for all Alberta farmers and aim to:

1. Increase resiliency in farming communities.
2. Destigmatize mental health.
3. Reduce barriers to service.
4. Stay relevant and current with the issues impacting agriculture in Alberta.
5. Collaborate with stakeholders and service providers to create a comprehensive network that supports farmers through times of stress.

Continued investment in programs that prioritize the mental health and well-being of those working in our agricultural sector is crucial. Your support for AgKnow ensures that Alberta's farming communities have the necessary resources and tools available when they need them the most.

How Your Support Will Make a Difference:

1. Increased access to free farm-informed counselling: Mental health professionals who understand the unique challenges faced by farming families are crucial to assisting farmers, farm families, and veterinarians who reach out for support. Your donation will enable us to provide affordable counselling services tailored to their needs through the AgKnow Professional Network (APN) Hub.

2. Increased awareness and decreased stigma in the agriculture community:  Workshops, webinars, speaking engagements, trade shows, and awareness campaigns bring messages of hope and resiliency to farming communities. Your support will help us promote mental health literacy, reduce the stigma associated with seeking help, and increase awareness about the support options available.

3. Increase awareness of the unique challenges faced by farmers with health care/mental health workers:  Leveraging the potential of the existing healthcare system is essential for scaling mental health capacity in rural communities especially during emergencies. Your assistance will enable us to increase the awareness and understanding of the unique challenges faced by Alberta farmers. 

You can learn more about us on our website: www.agknow.ca