A Teagasc seminar on farmer wellbeing and mental health will be held on 16 May, 2022.
The main speaker is Dr David Christian Rose, Reading University, a leading UK expert on the subject. In addition, Dr David Meredith, Teagasc Rural Economy Development Programme, will chair an open discussion to look at ways to improve the sustainability of farmers.
“Farmers face a unique set of acute and chronic stressors including farm bureaucracy, climatic conditions, animal and crop disease outbreaks, time pressures, workplace hazards, rural crime, finance, isolation, machinery breakdowns, and media criticism,” says Rose.
What’s more, a recent study shows that 27% of farmers in Ireland rate their wellbeing as poor or below average. Stressors include weather, workload, money, policy changes, regulation, and farm succession.
“External shocks such as the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit can generate new acute stressors for farmers and rural communities and intensify existing chronic stressors. Together, they can create distress and uncertainty for many and negatively impact individuals’ mental health and wider community and sector resilience,” he adds.
Those interested can attend the seminar at the Teagasc Conference Centre, Ashtown, Dublin 15 on Monday, 16 May, 2022 from 2pm to 4pm. It forms part of the BeSafe Project.
There is no charge to attend this event, but you must register to secure your place: Here