The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) is proud to announce the launch of the second annual Brigid Rivoire Award for Champions of Agricultural Mental Health.
This award recognizes an individual, organization or group of individuals that has undertaken an initiative making outstanding contributions in raising awareness, addressing stigma, and supporting agricultural mental health in their community.
Created in partnership with the Do More Agriculture Foundation, the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council, Farm Management Canada and the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association, this annual award includes a $2,000 donation to any mental health initiative of the recipient’s choice, along with an invitation to attend the Canadian Federation of Agriculture’s (CFA) Annual General Meeting in February with all expenses paid, to raise awareness of their work in this important field.
“Mental health in agriculture has finally been receiving some much-warranted attention. But there’s more to do to build awareness, reduce stigma, and ensure farm families have support when dealing with mental health issues. Mental health matters in agriculture have, for too long, received inadequate attention. We at CFA see this award as a means of building awareness, sharing best practices and shining a light on some of the excellent work we feel can be more broadly adopted and supported by to maximize its impact,” says Mary Robinson, President of CFA.
“Farmers and farm families often don’t know where to go or how to get help when they’re in need of mental health supports. This year’s trade disruptions and weather challenges highlight just how little control farmers often have over their own livelihoods. All of this understandably causes immense stress and anxiety for folks working in Canadian agriculture. CFA is excited to offer this award once again as an opportunity to showcase some great work that’s underway and help drive further support for work in this critical area.”
Expressions of interest for this award can be submitted now, and CFA encourages anyone contributing to mental health in Canadian agriculture to apply before the October 11th deadline. For more details on the program, including the expression of interest form, details on the nomination process and who is eligible for the program, visit the CFA website here.