AgKnow’s Urgent Requests

Resolution E1-19, Resolution E2-23

This week AgKnow is sending letters of urgent need to 68 of the 69 ASBs asking for one time small donations to help bridge the funding gap and maintain the momentum of the AgKnow initiative. AgKnow is the direct result of ASB resolution E1-19 asking for Agriculture specific mental health resources and services. That resolution lead to an in depth needs assessment, the funding of Alberta specific research on the current state and needs in Alberta, and the creation of the AgKnow website hub, farm specific resources, communications campaigns and free counselling session pilot program.

Since 2021 the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation has supported their activities with generous one year grant funding, however they have yet to receive significant industry investment needed to sustain staff and activities in-between grants. In the past they have had to let staff go and pause programs like the free counselling sessions for farmers. This year with 2 staff hired in December, the AgKnow team is looking for other options to keep the momentum between grants.

In April this year, Linda Hunt, the Director at Agknow was invited to meet virtually with the Wheatland County ASB to introduce them to their mission and vision and ask for their feedback on the direction of the program. As a result the Wheatland County ASB sent the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation a letter of support asking for continued funding with reduced matching requirements, and supported AgKnow directly with a $2000 donation.

“(Wheatland County’s) desire to see continued development and sustainable, long-term funding in the AgKnow program so that it may assist in the wellbeing of producers throughout Alberta for the foreseeable future.” Wheatland County

The counsellors affirmed that they are aware of the “numerous fiscal and mental pressures weighing on Alberta’s producers” and the pervasive sentiment that there are no services available that would understand those pressures.

“AgKnow offers free, farm-informed counseling services provided by caring experts who come from farming or ranching backgrounds and understand the unique challenges faced by the industry. The need for a mental health network and opportunity to speak with a professional is paramount to engaging participation and addressing the high suicide rate. The absence of funding for any set period may have significant repercussions.” Wheatland County

“AgKnow is run as lean as possible. Our administration expenses are kept to 10% or less, and we look for ways to work collaboratively with other community partners to stretch every dollar. Our primary focus is in developing and maintaining the programs and services most requested by our network and stakeholders.” Linda Hunt, AgKnow Director.

Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation and the new Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions are discussing the AgKnow proposal and looking for ways of collaborating on funding. Support for Alberta farmers, investing in resilient rural communities, and thriving rural economies are drivers for many businesses, governments and initiatives, so support for AgKnow is not a hard sell.

“We are very optimistic that we will get to a place of stable funding, but like other initiatives we have connected with, the development years are the hardest.” Linda Hunt, AgKnow Director

Linda is available upon request to attend ASB and Municipal council meetings virtually to answer questions and explain more about the AgKnow initiative.

Letters of Support for AgKnow