Keystone Agricultural Producers plans to lobby the provincial government to allow specialty licence plates that would support mental wellness programs for farmers.
A resolution requesting the effort was passed at the organization’s July 24 advisory council meeting.
Money raised from the sale of the plates, if approved, would go toward Manitoba Farmer Wellness, which launched in 2022. The program provides free, one-on-one counselling services for farmers and their families.
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The non-profit initiative arose after a 2016 University of Guelph survey on stress and resilience in farmers showed high levels of mental health challenges. Manitoba Farmer Wellness clients are provided with up to six free counselling sessions with mental health professionals who have connections with the agricultural industry.
KAP member Charz Kuentzle put forward the motion, seconded by Glenn Young. Fifty-nine per cent of attendees voted in favour of lobbying for the plates, with 26 per cent opposed and 15 per cent abstained.
Why it matters: If approved by the province, the specialty licence plates will fund mental wellness programs for farmers in attempts to address high rates of anxiety and depression and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
The idea for the plates was raised as a way to get funding for rural mental health, Kuentzle said, and “it would also bring awareness to farmers as a sort of moving billboard.”
A minimum of 1,000 plates would be ordered, which would provide approximately $30,000 to Manitoba Farmer Wellness when sold.
It’s important that KAP put its support behind initiatives that support mental well-being in agriculture, said KAP board member Shannon Pyziak.
“One of our goals is farmer mental health … and this is directly related to that.”
According to the Manitoba Farmer Wellness website, 58 per cent of farmers meet the criteria for an anxiety disorder and 35 per cent for a depression diagnosis. Forty per cent are hesitant to seek help due to the stigma that exists around mental health challenges.
That’s why it’s so important that the licence plates spread the message about mental health, said Roberta Galbraith, vice-chair of Manitoba Farmer Wellness.
“I think it’s awesome. Anytime we can reduce stigma around mental wellness, I’m happy.”
