“We now need to create a better future for farming people”
The results of RABI’s Big Farming Survey were launched this October, to overwhelming support from the agricultural industry.
With over 15,000 responses, the results form the most comprehensive evidence library across all ages, farm sizes, types and tenures, looking at mental and physical wellbeing and the health of farm businesses. It really is the survey of a generation.
Five statistics for priority action
RABI has identified five core themes, which it believes must be a priority for action, from the hardest-hitting data:
- 36% of the farming community are probably or possibly depressed.
- Over one-half of women (58%) experience mild, moderate or severe anxiety.
- An average of six factors cause stress across the farming community. The most commonly reported sources of stress are; regulation, compliance and inspection, Covid-19, bad/unpredictable weather, loss of subsides/future trade deals.
- Over half (52%) of the farming community experience pain and discomfort, one in four have mobility problems and 21% have problems in undertaking usual tasks due to health issues.
- 59% of respondents believe their business is viable over the next five years.
Although these results made for difficult reading, they resonate with most and have confirmed for many, the number of complex issues that have been hiding in plain sight.
However, despite the challenges identified, there is positivity and farming people continue to be incredibly resilient.
RABI is committed to building on this, and using the evidence shared will take action to improve farmer wellbeing. Importantly, in response to the findings, the charity has announced the launch of three pilot support schemes planned for early 2022, for farmers in England and Wales. These include:
- An accredited, bespoke farming mental health first aid training service
- Access to in-person mental health support
- Further trials of RABI’s Community Pillars initiative
These new pilot schemes will be in addition to RABI’s new 24/7 helpline accessible via 0800 188 4444. It will also complement the long-standing, traditional support services that RABI is so well known for.
There is a huge amount of work going on behind the scenes at RABI to initiate a greater breadth of support to a greater number of farming people, in partnership with key partner organisations. The key message from the launch is that there is support available, and must now encourage farmers to share their stories and normalise the conversation around mental wellbeing.