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By Alice McFarlane

Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program

Farmer wellness program receives financial support

Jan 19, 2024 | 11:40 AM

The governments of Canada and Manitoba are providing $450,000 over three years for professional counselling services to Manitoba’s agricultural community.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced the funding to the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program (MFWP) at Ag Days in Brandon.

MFWP is a non-profit organization launched in 2022 that addresses the mental health of farmers, farm families, and farm workers through access to crisis intervention to longer-term counselling support that prevents mental health crises.

The program is different from other mental health services available as the counsellors are familiar with the unique stressors of managing an agri-business such as the seasonality of operations, the impact of extreme climate events, global and market fluctuations, and the dynamics of rural living.

Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn said the program is an important resource for farmers, their families, and their workers.

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“Extreme weather conditions, market fluctuations, and disease outbreaks often isolate and challenge the mental health and well-being of farmers and their families. These funds will support the expansion of professional counselling services to increase access to mental health support.”

The funding will ensure a consistent and professional service delivery and a standardized onboarding for new counsellors.

MFWP works with over 32 industry partners to promote mental wellness, coping strategies, and resilience.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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