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By Alice McFarlane

Do More Agriculture Foundation

Partnership renewal for mental health in agriculture support

Aug 20, 2025 | 3:36 PM

Organizations continue to recognize the challenges across agriculture when it comes to mental health.

BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada, RBC Foundation, and The McCain Foundation are once again partnering with Do More Ag for AgTalk, an online space in the agriculture sector for mental health connection and community.

AgTalk is a specialty agricultural community within the powerful online site Togetherall.

Individuals 16 plus can anonymously and safely connect, share, and receive support from a community of peers who also understand the pressures of farming, and the pressures of staying mentally well.

Backed by 24/7 clinical moderation, hundreds of people have found strength within AgTalk since its inception in 2023. Do More Agriculture Foundation chair Sartaj Sarkaria said the renewal of AgTalk marks a powerful step forward in creating accessible mental health supports in agriculture.

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“We know that mental health can be hard to talk about, especially in rural and agricultural communities. That’s why we’re committed to supporting AgTalk—because connection saves lives,” Sarkaria said. “By continuing to invest in safe, anonymous, peer-driven spaces like this, we’re sending a clear message: no one in agriculture has to struggle alone.”

With over 10,000 interactions since its launch, AgTalk is a key resource. More than 60 per cent of AgTalk users are not receiving any formal mental health support, and one third of users access no mental health support at all outside AgTalk.

Many people who turn to AgTalk are at risk: one in three AgTalk users had considered suicide and over 10 per cent had made an attempt to end their life.

The top five issues for AgTalk users are stress, depression, anxiety, loneliness, and relationships. AgTalk users come from across Canada, across ages, gender, and ethnic backgrounds. There is no doubt: AgTalk is meeting critical mental health needs and is making a difference.

Matthew McEvoy, CEO of Togetherall said easy, anonymous access helps members take the next step on their mental health journey and join a community that can connect and relate to some of the challenges being faced.

“Anyone can benefit from the support of their peers and through this partnership, more people will now have access,” he said.

Togetherall also launched a special trained peers’ program which includes AgTalk. With focused training and guided support, AgTalk trained peers connect, chat, and engage to build an even stronger online community.

Do More Ag Executive Director Merle Massie said everyone’s mental health journeys are deeply personal, and everyone moves at their own pace.

“I explain AgTalk as the farmer coffee row within the Togetherall community, backed by trained clinicians. Anyone involved in agriculture is welcome. You don’t have to be in crisis to find AgTalk useful and powerful,” Massie said. “We are proud to work with our partners to build a space where people can be themselves, and welcome, without masking what they’re feeling and pretending to be OK.”

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com