Farmers in Nova Scotia are no strangers to long hours, unpredictable conditions, and the weight of responsibility that comes with feeding a province. With that in mind, in early 2020, Farm Safety Nova Scotia (FSNS) began laying the groundwork for a province-wide mental health framework to better support those working in agriculture.

When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in March of that year, it amplified the challenges already being faced and highlighted the urgent need for action. With support from the Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s COVID-19 Agriculture Response Program, FSNS was able to launch a series of free mental health workshops and webinars — an important first step.

But short-term solutions weren’t enough. Recognizing the need for a lasting, coordinated effort, FSNS developed the We Talk. We Grow. awareness campaign and began work on what would become a Blueprint for long-term change.

Since then, We Talk. We Grow. has evolved from a campaign into a program, supported by a full-time Farmer Wellness Coordinator and guided by the ongoing priorities of the Blueprint. At its heart, this work is about building a healthier, more supportive environment for farmers, their families, and their communities.