our
guiding principles
OUR guiding principles will ensure sustainability in the agriculture and agri-food sectors by:
research
Advancing research and program development with our national and provincial partners, and training the next generation of researchers.
capacity
Building sector capacity and growth by using research and program development to foster the next generation of farmers. Goals include enhancing labour, training, and retention to support worker health and safety, and resilience of the entire working population by addressing mental health barriers.
partnership
We are committed to building strong partnerships with organizations that deliver mental health programming to Canada’s agricultural community. Programs such as In the Know, Farmer Wellness Initiative, and The Guardian Network draw on research and evaluation from CCAW to ensure they are tailored, evidence-informed, and effective in supporting farmers and their families.
risk management
Informing risk management for farmer mental health and expanding on the implementation of the Emergency Response Model for Mental Health During Agricultural Crises (Jones Bitton and Hagen, 2021).
mitigation
Addressing risks posed to farmers and agriculture through the climate crisis, developing mitigation strategies, and creating conditions for industry to succeed and compete globally.
empowerment
Supporting and empowering farmers, farm families, and agricultural communities to take care of their mental health.
programming
Creating programs and resources tailored to the realities of farmers and agricultural communities, while ensuring access for under-represented groups including youth, women, gender-diverse and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, new Canadians, and international farm workers.
understanding
Acknowledging the challenging and multifaceted relationship of settlers and Indigenous Peoples in Canada and striving to understand these complexities by engaging Indigenous expertise and taking a reconciliation approach to The Centre’s work.
support
Developing a supporting framework for the creation of significant, multi-applicant, grant applications including federal and provincial governments, agricultural stakeholder groups, farmer owned associations, and industry supporters.
Strengthen
Advancing awareness of farmer mental health programs and resources through our annual national symposium, which also serves as a platform to share research and strengthen networks with leaders, organizations, and governments across Canada and internationally.