Farming is a demanding profession filled with unique challenges and uncertainty, which can take a toll on mental health. Recognizing the need for targeted support, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, has announced the launch of the Producer Mental Wellbeing Initiative (PMWI)—a new three-year, $3-million program designed to improve mental health resources for Canadian producers.
Administered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) in collaboration with the Privy Council Office’s Impact Canada, the initiative aims to:
- Develop innovative, data-driven solutions to support producer mental wellbeing.
- Reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in agriculture.
- Raise awareness and improve access to essential support services.
Application Process & Funding
The PMWI is open for applications until June 3, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. EDT, welcoming proposals from for-profit organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and registered individuals in Canada.
Using a three-stage approach, the initiative will guide participants through the process of developing and implementing their solutions. At each stage, a jury of subject matter experts will evaluate submissions, selecting the most promising ideas to advance. Ultimately, two grand prize winners will each receive up to $500,000 to scale their solutions, expand their impact, and enhance mental health support for more producers across Canada.
Minister’s Statement
“Our producers do so much for us—often making personal sacrifices to provide top-quality products. Their mental health should never be one of those sacrifices. This initiative gives Canadians an opportunity to develop new solutions that will reduce stigma and improve access to tailored mental health support for producers.”
— The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Key Facts
- The agriculture sector faces distinct mental health challenges, with rising concerns about stress, anxiety, and depression among producers.
- Eligible applicants must be legal entities (such as registered businesses, corporations, or not-for-profit organizations) capable of entering into legally binding agreements in Canada.
- An independent jury composed of experts from the private sector, stakeholder groups, and academia will assess applications. The jury panel will be announced in Spring 2025.
- The initiative encourages participation from underrepresented and marginalized groups in Canadian agriculture, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, visible minorities, 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and official language minority communities.
For more information or to apply, visit: https://impact.canada.ca/en/challenges/producer-mental-wellbeing-initiative
