Rural expert urges support to bolster farmers’ mental wellbeing

Lycetts is calling on the public to step up their support for local farmers, amid growing concerns over their mental health.

We’re issuing our appeal during Mental Health Awareness Week, when the spotlight turns to the pressures faced by different sectors of the community.

For farmers, the combination of economic instability, market volatility, red tape, a changing subsidy regime and climate change not only threatens their livelihoods but also risks impacting their mental wellbeing.

Farming is not just a business, it’s a way of life that demands resilience in the face of the myriad of challenges.

Even the most mentally resilient can struggle under the weight of financial and economic uncertainty. It’s important that the public do their bit to support the agricultural sector and help to keep their local rural communities alive.

There are several ways in which people can make a difference.

Minor changes in shopping habits, for example, can make a big difference. From buying local farm produce to help ensure farmers have a steady income to patronising local restaurants that champion local fare.

In recent years, many farmers have been thrust into diversified enterprises in a bid to survive. More than two-thirds (69 per cent) of farm businesses in England introduced some form of diversified activity in 2022/23, according to Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) – from farm shops, cafes and glamping sites to B&Bs, wedding venues and petting farms.

The public can help support these new ventures, not only by visiting them, but also by promoting them to friends, family, colleagues and on their social media channels.

In addition, farmers need access to mental health resources that address the unique pressures of the farming sector and wider agricultural communities.

Organisations such as RABI (The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) provide an invaluable service to UK farmers, helping them become more resilient and better able to cope with future challenges.

By fostering awareness and advocating for such dedicated services, we can help safeguard the mental health of our farming community.

Every individual can contribute to this cause. Whether it’s choosing to buy local, spreading the word about rural enterprises or supporting mental health initiatives, your actions can make a profound difference.