With 2019 still in its infancy, an unusually large number of major agri-food stories are already jockeying for the spotlight – potential changes to the national food guide, the emerging cannabis industry and the trans-Pacific trade deal, among them.  

They all deserve some degree of attention. After all, food is one of our most fundamental needs, and its many facets – such as the way it’s produced, and where we buy it and sell it – are getting more and more public interest. 

But I believe the agri-food story most destined to grow throughout the year is producers’ increasingly documented problems with mental health. This story includes the efforts being made to bring mental health problems to light, and the research and strategies needed to address them and promote awareness.

Through the fall, the federal government addressed farmers’ mental health through the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food. The committee held hearings on mental health and will produce a report based on the testimony its members.

Then in early January 2019, Ontario threw its support behind the matter, with mental health being the first stop of the year in Guelph for provincial agriculture and agri-food minister Ernie Hardeman.

The momentum is there, and this is why: Mental health transcends commodities, income, production approaches and regions. If producers are facing undue pressure, some impact on the food system can and should be expected.

Research at the University of Guelph shows the problem has been growing for ages. Traditionally, mental stress stayed hidden, as farmers reluctantly accepted it as part of the job.

But as generations changed, vulnerability became socially acceptable and studies showed the problem was real -- more farmers came forward with tales of depression and anxiety. 

 It turns out that despite the idyllic appearance of the farming lifestyle, it is marked by all kinds of pressure – and still, some hesitation at the farm level.

For example, in Guelph, Hardeman held a closed-door discussion with farmers, farm leaders and researchers. It was said to be closed because of the sensitive nature of the discussions. Some farmers were telling him about their experiences, and while the industry as a whole has moved towards openness about mental health, it’s still an individual matter.

After the meeting, Hardeman said his ministry was launching a public awareness campaign to highlight farmers’ mental health challenges and encourage farmers to reach out when they need help.

“Farming can be a tough business, one that sometimes takes a toll on farmers and their families and yet we all know people who have been reluctant to ask for help,” he said.  “We want to address the stigma that still surrounds mental health, and help people find the resources that can make a difference.”

He said this effort was part of the government's commitment to invest $3.8 billion over the next 10 years to develop and implement a comprehensive and connected mental health and addictions strategy -- he called it the biggest commitment to mental health in provincial history.

Later, one of the farmers involved in the session, dairy producer Courtney Denard of Valleykirk Farms in Owen Sound, wrote this on Facebook:

“Yesterday…I sat down with a group of smart, brave and open people and had an honest conversation about farmer mental health. Our industry is in an epidemic. Too many people are suffering and too many farmers are committing suicide…I am hopeful the winds are starting to change and mental health in the ag sector can be given the attention it needs. So many lives depend on it.”

The agriculture sector has huge issues on its plate as 2019 unfolds. But ultimately, it all comes down to farmers and their ability to produce food. Their health is Priority One.