To kick-off Mental Health Awareness Month in October, BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada (BASF) and The Do More Agriculture Foundation (Do More Ag) are encouraging Canada’s agriculture community to connect, start conversations and find support through AgTalk.

AgTalk is a free, anonymous peer support space available to anyone aged 16 and older who is connected to Canadian agriculture. Located within Togetherall, an online peer-to-peer support platform, participants can share theirexperiences, access resources and connect with people who understand—all with 24/7 access and clinical moderation.

Since its launch in 2023, AgTalk has helped many people bridge gaps, build community, and find critical mental health support. To date, 72 per cent of AgTalk users said that they do not have formal mental health support and 79 per cent reported poor mental health. With 38 per cent of registrants reporting past thoughts of self-harm and the majority of activity taking place long after the working day is done,

AgTalk provides much needed accessible support. Common conversation topics on the platform include depression, stress, loneliness, anxiety and relationships.

“Agriculture comes with challenges that can be difficult to navigate alone, and people may not always feel comfortableconfiding in someone they know,” said Joel Johnson, vice president, BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada. “AgTalkprovides an important connection to others who can relate without judgement. At BASF, we are committed to helpingpeople across agriculture find community and to support Do More Ag’s work to make mental health and well-being apriority.”

“While many of us who live and work in agriculture love the industry, it is tough and can take a toll on our mental health,” said Merle Massie, the executive director of Do More Ag. “Agricultural communities have a long history of showing up for one another, and AgTalk creates another way for people to connect, share what they’re going throughand support each other when it comes to mental health.”

Activating World Mental Health Day: #TalkItOutTag

World Mental Health Day is marked annually on October 10 to raise awareness of mental health issues and to reduce social stigma. Throughout October, Do More Ag and BASF are collaborating on the #TalkItOutTag social media campaign to encourage conversations about mental health across agriculture.

Using Do More Ag’s Talk It Out conversation starter card deck, available in its online shop, participants from across theagricultural sector are answering prompts designed to help break the ice on mental health and build connections. DoMore Ag and BASF will be tagging their industry and community networks to join the conversation on social media andare asking participants to tag others to participate.

For more information on Do More Ag, AgTalk and #TalkItOutTag, visit domore.ag.

Source:  BASF Canada October 1, 2026 news release