Agriculture is a diverse and dynamic industry. There are different systems, approaches, and opinions, but if there is one thing we all agree on it’s that 2024 was one heck of a year!
With increasing challenges facing farmers, many are asking: what more can we do to support farmers on the ground?
So, with day two of our Mind Your Head campaign focusing on ‘opportunities to improve’, what better time to introduce the AgriWellbeing Alliance, a new initiative set up to support mental wellbeing in the farming community…
Last month, this new initiative launched its Charter at LAMMA 2025, calling for those working in agriculture and related industries to come together to create positive change. And with 91% of UK farmers believing that poor mental wellbeing is the biggest hidden problem facing our industry, this collective drive for awareness is music to our ears!
The brainchild of Keith Knowles, The Crown Estate, the alliance brings together key industry organisation, including The Crown Estate, Mates in Mind, National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC), IOSH Rural Industries Group, Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies), and Farming Community Network (FCN).
‘Agriculture, with its concerning statistics of serious incidents and mental health challenges, is an industry that we should take every opportunity to support in driving initiatives that embed safety and mental health as a core priority in the agricultural sector,” says Keith. “We have a great opportunity to do this through listening to and working with our farming families, along with using our broader convening power, to promote awareness, to signpost to those organisations that can provide support and to strive to build a resilient and healthier farming community for future generations.’
The alliance has also received the support of Professor David Rose and his team at Harper Adams University, who bring critical research, knowledge, and data to help shape the initiative.
‘The academic research shows the importance of expanding the safety-net of support available to the farming community,” explains David. “Our initial findings are showing that land agents, agronomists, and contractors (amongst others) are being confided in by farmers and these advisors would like more support. Equipping these ‘accidental counsellors’ with the knowledge, confidence, and support to look after their own mental wellbeing, as well as to spot signs of stress in farmers and signpost them towards sources of help, is vitally important.’
Underscoring the importance of collaboration, Stephanie Berkeley, Manager Farm Safety Foundation added: “More than ever, we need to ensure that we are working together to support all those working and living in agriculture. No matter what your role is, if you are down the farm lane or in contact with those working in the industry you should have the skills and confidence to look after yourself and those you come into contact with. An AgriWellbeing Alliance could provide an important platform to help spotlight the resources, support and training available for farmers and all those working across the industry.”
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