PETER L. SMITH
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE

OUTAOUAIS – A mental health organization dedicated to supporting farmers is expanding its efforts to the Outaouais region as concerns about psychological distress in the agricultural sector continue to grow.

Founded in March 2015, Écoute Agricole was established in response to rising mental health challenges among farmers, many of whom face intense pressure tied to weather, finances, and isolation. The organization’s Board of Directors includes farmers like Mirabel dairy producer Bernard Laurin, who said the group was created in response to a series of tragic events in his region.

In 2013, a study found that 50% of agricultural producers suffer from high psychological distress — compared to just 20% of the general Quebec population. During that same period, three farmers in the Mirabel area committed suicide. “It was clear action had to be taken,” noted Laurin.

Since then, Écoute Agricole has focused on five key areas that affect farmer well-being: sleep, motivation, stress, diet, and breaks. Practical tips are offered for managing these areas, all of which can be compromised during difficult farming seasons or financial hardship. The stress associated with depression is recognized as a leading factor in suicide across many sectors — and agriculture is no exception.

“When farmers are trying to plant or harvest while dealing with unpredictable weather or a sudden financial blow, the pressure can become overwhelming,” said one representative. “If several issues hit at once, it can be too much to handle alone.”

One of the group’s wellness recommendations is surprisingly simple: take breaks. “Even just a half-hour doing something other than farming can help clear the fog. Stop and breathe — it’s good for the body and soul.”

Currently, there are two Farmer Wellness Workers serving the Lower Basses-Laurentides and Laurentians, and one for the Upper Laurentians (Hautes-Laurentides). Écoute Agricole is now working to bring similar support services to the Outaouais, where resources remain limited.

According to the organization’s website, four farmer suicides were reported in the Outaouais region during the summer of 2019 alone.

Farmers in need of support can contact a Farmer Wellness Worker 24/7 at 1-873-455-5592, or dial 811 to access additional resources. The program is funded through a partnership between Écoute Agricole and the Government of Quebec.