Tackling mental health challenges in farming
The EU-funded SafeHabitus project recently held a policy seminar at the European Parliament to address the issue of mental health challenges in agriculture. Led by Ireland’s agricultural and food development authority Teagasc, the event offered valuable insight into the mental well-being of farmers and farm workers across the EU. The seminar, which took place on 25 January 2024, brought together farmers, rural mental health organisations, farmer representatives and policymakers who together tackled the pressing issues surrounding mental health in the agricultural sector. As reported in a news item posted on Teagasc’s website, the aim of the seminar was “to highlight the challenges faced by farmers, explore potential solutions, and identify policy measures that can support the implementation of these solutions.” The event marks the start of a series of SafeHabitus policy seminars to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing among policymakers, stakeholders, practitioners and researchers.
The challenges
Farming is one of the most dangerous jobs in Europe. Fatalities in farming are 233 % higher and accidents 18 % higher than in other industries. What is more, even these alarming figures are believed to underestimate the scale of the problem since many farm workplace deaths, injuries and cases of poor health go unreported and uninvestigated. The EU acknowledges these challenges in its communication on mental health: “People living in rural or remote areas, such as farmers, have particular mental health challenges associated with the risk of disconnection and lack of access to mental health services. Suicide rates among farmers are 20% higher than the national average in certain Member States, which is why support will be offered to strengthen their resilience.”
Stressors and solutions
The seminar offered a platform for speakers to discuss the major stressors undermining farmers’ ability to cope with the daily pressures of farming. These included the uncertainty related to fluctuating market prices, the complexities of farm succession and the burdens of regulatory compliance. Other stressors identified by the speakers included policy developments at the EU level, a sense of loneliness, increased isolation and lack of support, and concerns relating to climate change and extreme weather events. Speakers also shed light on how such stressors affect farmers’ well-being and on the future sustainability of agriculture, highlighting the need for innovative and sustainable solutions. Various approaches to support farmers and their families were introduced, ranging from integrated systems implemented through national social insurance schemes (France, Germany and Finland) to grassroots initiatives such as Farmers at the Crossroads (Flanders) and Make the Moove (Ireland). In his closing remarks, Teagasc researcher Dr David Meredith commented: “It is evident from the engagement of policymakers that they are acutely aware of the challenges faced by farmers and are eager to explore ways to alleviate stressors and endorse initiatives that assist farmers in times of need. As we move forward, the SafeHabitus project is committed to fostering dialogue, raising awareness, and actively contributing to the development of practical solutions for the mental health challenges faced by farmers across the EU.” SafeHabitus (STRENGTHENING FARM HEALTH AND SAFETY KNOWLEDGE AND INNOVATION SYSTEMS) ends in December 2026. For more information, please see: SafeHabitus project website
Keywords
SafeHabitus, mental health, farmer, farming, agriculture, farm, policy seminar
