The Do More Agriculture Foundation Community Fund Now Accepting Applications

Year three of the resoundingly successful and national rural mental health training program presented by the Do More Agriculture Foundation (DMA) and Farm Credit Canada (FCC) has officially launched and is accepting applications

The education, focused on mental health in the agriculture sector, is aimed at developing the capacity for mental illness identification and support in rural areas, where individuals who participate receive education to identify mental health concerns and provide initial supports to producers coping with difficult circumstances.

The programs are brought to areas free of charge to all participants and is taught by mental health professionals with lived ag experience.

“The training is specific to agriculture and equips participants with basic skills to provide assistance when help is not immediately available,”

 

“The training is specific to agriculture and equips participants with basic skills to provide assistance when help is not immediately available, as well as understanding their limits on supporting someone struggling, and their own self care” said Adelle Stewart, Executive Director of Do More Ag.

In addition to the funding provided by FCC, DMA has secured additional grants and funding, meaning the trainings can be offered in more locations and to more producers than ever before. Through the Community Funds history, over 1000 individuals across Canada have received the training.

The success of the program relies on “Community Leaders” to apply on behalf of their community to bring the training to their rural area. They work directly with DMA and the facilitators to organize and market the training.

The Do More Ag Foundation was established in January 2018 to promote mental health awareness, well-being, and research, as well as to empower Canadian producers to take care of their mental well-being through education, training and public awareness.

The fund is open to all rural agriculture communities across Canada. Interested individuals can apply online at ​www.domore.ag from October 9-31, 2020.

FCC is Canada’s leading agriculture and food lender