Teagasc is taking significant steps to promote mental health and wellbeing among farmers. That’s according to Professor John McNamara, Senior Health and Safety Specialist, who addressed the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food on Wednesday, July 9.
Addressing the topic of farmer mental health and wellbeing, Professor McNamara explained: “Health promotion among farmers is vital not only for individual wellbeing, but also for maintaining farm productivity and safety.”
Outlining some of the Teagasc initiatives, Professor McNamara pointed to the recent publication ‘Sowing the Seeds of Support: Positive Guidance for the Farming Community’, developed in collaboration with Mental Health Ireland, which offers practical guidance for managing stress, setting health goals and achieving work-life balance.
Research cited in the leaflet highlights significant concerns; a 2022 study found that 13.5% of farmers reported stress, declining to 8% following targeted interventions, Professor McNamara explained, while other Irish studies show that up to 50% of farmers experience sleep issues and burnout.
On other actions to support mental health and wellbeing among the farming community, Professor McNamara explained that Teagasc works closely with organisations like Mental Health Ireland, the HSE, the Department of Health, and the National Centre for Men’s Health to “signpost” farmers toward wellbeing resources. He also credited the work of ‘On Feirm Ground’, a programme which offers bespoke training to those in contact with farmers through their work, allowing them to direct farmers to supports, particularly in the area of mental health.
Pictured in the Houses of the Oireachtas are from left to right: Professor John McNamara; Aindrias Moynihan T.D., Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food; and Dr. David Meredith.
Also appearing before the Oireachtas Committee, Dr. David Meredith discussed the Teagasc research conducted in relation to farmer stress and wellbeing, noting that the ‘Total Health Model’ addresses the full spectrum of farmer experiences.
“The research that we have undertaken and will continue to develop focuses not just on quantifying the challenges facing farmers and farm families, but on exploiting this knowledge to create practical and implementable supports,” Dr. Meredith said.
These supports, he added added, will either prevent or reduce occupational stressors, or provide farmers with knowledge, resources and support to access the services they require.
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