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CFFO Executive Board 2019
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March 27, 2019 (Guelph, ON) – Provincial delegates met in Waterloo, March 26, for the CFFO’s Annual Meeting...READ MORE
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Loans, Grants, Tax Exemptions
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Carbon Tax Fuel Charge Exemption
Ontario farmers and greenhouse operators are eligible for exemptions in some instances.
Exemption forms:
L402: For Farmers
L404: For Greenhouse Operators
If you have questions about the exemption, please contact us at cffomail@christianfarmers.org.
CAP Cost-Share Programs for Producers
OSCIA is accepting applications until May 6. Visit ontariosoilcrop.webex.com to register for an April 2 webinar on navigating the online program guide and submitting your application. You will need an internet connection and a telephone line to participate. Registration is limited.
Canadian Agricultural Loans Act
A loan guarantee program for farmers and ag co-operatives who want to purchase land; construct or improve buildings; purchase farm equipment, breeding livestock, and more.
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First Two Facilities Earn 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification in Ontario
Ottawa, March 21 – Less than a year after its launch, the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program in Ontario announces Thompsons Limited and AGRIS Co-operative Ltd. as the first two agriculture nutrient service providers to achieve certified status...READ MORE
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Four Land-Use Planning Proposals: CFFO questions how government commitments to balance the needs of agriculture can be met, given proposed changes to land-use planning. READ MORE
Amendments to the Nutrient Management Act: The CFFO approved red tape reduction measures to eliminate mandatory renewal of nutrient management strategies every five year. READ MORE
Pre-Budget Consultation: The CFFO asks for tax reform, investment in land-use planning tools, and investment in research to improve sustainability of natural resources. READ MORE
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SPECIAL INSERT: Mental Health Resources
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Farming can be a tough business. Long hours alone. Financial concerns. Lack of sleep. Too much rain. Too little rain. The list of things which are cause for concern for those in the agriculture industry may seem overwhelming.
The numbers bear this out. A recent University of Guelph study found that 45% of Canadian farmers had high stress, 58% anxiety, and 35% depression.
“Sadly, there is an alarmingly high rate of mental health issues within the Ag community relating to anxiety, depression and even suicide,” says Danielle Stewart, a member of the Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) Organizational Health Team who is also on The Board of Directors for the Ontario Workplace Health Coalition.
“Along with being one of the greatest environments to live in and raise a family, managing the farm is hard work, with characteristics that can significantly impact mental health.”
Unfortunately, there is still stigma associated with mental health. Too often people keep it in the dark and don’t share what they’re going through, which only serves to make things worse.
There are things one can do to address mental health issues and below are examples.
Steps you can take:
Do as much prep as you can now. Avoid the unexpected. Make sure equipment is in good working order. Can seed, fertilizer and fuel be ordered now? Assess tasks and time requirements. Are there ways to use your time more efficiently? Can you hire extra hands to take on some of the work?
Give yourself a break. It can be a 24/7 role for a farmer, but no one can consistently run that long, that hard. Take breaks to give your body and mind a rest.
Accept that some things are beyond your control. Bad weather is a good example. Stay calm and look at ways to minimize the impact.
Connect with others. Isolation can fuel stress, anxiety and depression. Have contact with others every day. It’s especially important to spend time with family. Share how you are feeling with someone you trust — a spouse, a friend or a fellow farmer who understands the challenges.
Learn how to cope with stress. Deep breathing, positive self-talk and meditation are effective ways to cope with stress.
Get support. If you feel overwhelmed, contact your family doctor to access professional help, or look for resources such as:
This article was funded by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The views expressed in this publication are the views of Workplace Safety & Prevention Services and do not necessarily reflect those of the Province.
OMAFRA also provides a resource for specifically for farmers: Mental Health for Farmers - First Aid Kit
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