Launch of the New Brunswick Farmer Wellness Program Supporting the Well-being of New Brunswick’s Farming Communities
Fredericton, NB — [October 2, 2025] — Farm Talk Care is proud to announce the launch of the New Brunswick Farmer Wellness Program, a new initiative funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership to support the mental health and well-being of farmers, farm families, and farm employees across the province.
While farming is rewarding, it is also demanding — with stressors that can take a toll on mental health. This program provides confidential, no-cost counselling delivered by professional counsellors who understand rural and agricultural life and the unique stressors faced by those working in the industry.
Each participant can access up to four free counselling sessions per year, with flexible session options available online, by phone, or in person, depending on the counsellor and location. An initial free 30-minute consultation is also available to help participants find the right fit.
“Initiatives focused on mental health are vital for maintaining the well-being of farmers, families, and employees,” said the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “Providing a network of professional support gives farmers the help they need, when they need it, and helps build emotional strength in communities across New Brunswick.”
“The Farm Talk Care Initiative delivering a new Farmer Wellness Support Program will provide vital support to our farmers in New Brunswick,” said Pat Finnigan, Minister responsible for Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries. “The partnership between this program, the Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick, the National Farmers Union in NB, Really Local Harvest — and the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, is breaking down barriers and building a network of mental health counsellors that can identify with farm life and all of the challenges that come with it.”
The New Brunswick Farmer Wellness Program is part of Farm Talk Care, an awareness and resource initiative supporting farmer mental health and farm safety in the province. Alongside the Farm Talk Care Peer Support Network, which equips individuals in agricultural communities to support one another with informal, community-based care, this program aims to build resilience and healthier farming communities by reducing barriers to care and offering agriculture-informed, accessible counselling.
“Farmers face higher risks of stress, anxiety, and depression, yet many hesitate to seek help because of stigma — the fear of being judged or misunderstood,” said NFU-NB Youth President, Alexis Légère. “We want farmers and their families to know they are not alone. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength.”
To get started, farmers and their families can browse counsellor biographies at www.farmtalkcare.ca, select the counsellor who feels like the right fit, and reach out directly to book a session.
Please note: This is not a crisis service. For immediate support— anytime, day or night — call the National Farmer Wellness Network Crisis Line at 1-866-FARMS01 (1-866-327-6701) or dial/text 9-8-8 for mental health crisis support, available 24/7. Reach a listening ear and free, confidential, ag-informed counselling services when you need it most.
Your mental health matters — reaching out is a sign of strength. Learn more at Farm Talk Care, www.farmtalkcare.ca.
About Farm Talk Care
Farm Talk Care is a program of Agriculture NB (AGNB), a collective partnership of the Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick, National Farmers Union in New Brunswick, and Really Local Harvest. Our mission is to raise awareness and improve access to mental health and wellness resources tailored specifically to the realities of farming life in New Brunswick.
Funding for this initiative was provided by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a five-year (April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2028), $3.5-billion investment between the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities, and $2.5-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
MEDIA CONTACT
Victoria Hutt, Mental Health & Farm Safety Coordinator | Coordonnatrice en matière de santé mentale et de sécurité à la ferme, Agriculture NB talkparle@fermenbfarm.ca (506) 260-5377
Agriculture NB is a collective partnership of The Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick, the National Farmers Union in New Brunswick, and Really Local Harvest. / Agriculture NB est un partenariat collectif formé de L’Alliance agricole du Nouveau-Brunswick, l’Union nationale des fermiers du Nouveau-Brunswick et La Récolte de Chez Nous.
