Regina, Sask. (Rural Roots Canada) – Saskatchewan producers and their families will have expanded access to mental health supports through a new partnership that aims to strengthen services across the province’s agriculture sector.
As of April 1, SaskAkMatters Mental Health Network has taken over management of the Farm Stress Line, integrating it into a broader, coordinated system of care. The service provided 24-hour, confidential access to crisis counsellors with agricultural training, along with follow-up sessions.
The initiative is backed by joint funding from the federal and provincial governments, which are contributing $200,000 annually over the next two years through the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
The Farm Stress Line will continue to operate under its existing toll-free number, offering support for concerns ranging from financial strain to anxiety, depression, and burnout, and more.
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“Farmers withstand unique demands and challenges that affect not only their physical health, but also mental well-being,” Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald said. “This partnership ensures that when members of our agricultural community reach out, they are connected with a mental health professional who truly understands their reality.”
Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit says these improved services will help protect the health of those working in the sector.
“People working in agriculture face stressful work conditions affecting their livelihood and wellbeing,” he says. “They need support from mental health professionals who understand the industry and who will ensure confidentiality for those who reach out.”
SaskAgMatters has also expanded its counselling capacity through a partnership with the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing. That collaboration will connect callers with trained crisis counsellors through the National Farmer Crisis Line.
It says the updated model is designed to reduce the barriers that often prevent producers from getting help, including long wait times, costs, and difficulty finding professionals who understand the realities of farm life. Services will include flexible appointment options delivered by phone or virtually.
“SaskAgMatters was founded to break down the barriers that Saskatchewan farm families face when trying to get help,” SaskAgMatters board chair and co-founder Cynthia Beck said. “We have removed the time and stress involved in finding a mental health professional and cover the financial cost of these services.”
