Supporting farmer wellbeing: exploring a potential role for farm advisory staff

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Irish farmers face significant health challenges and are often difficult to reach.
• Agricultural advisors are well-positioned to support farmer health and wellbeing.
• Existing support systems for farmers' health are insufficient.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the acceptability and terms of reference for agricultural advisors taking on a health role.
• To identify key recommendations for developing a farmer health training program for advisors.
• To understand the potential barriers and facilitators for advisors in supporting farmer health.

Main Methods:

• Eleven focus groups were conducted with farmers, advisors, farming organizations, and farmers' significant others.
• Thematic Content Analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data from the focus groups.
• Participants included a diverse range of ages and genders within the farming community.

Main Results:

• Three main themes emerged: the scope and acceptability of an advisor health role, the specific roles and responsibilities (health promotion and connector), and potential obstacles.
• Participants were receptive to advisors normalizing health conversations and signposting to services.
• Barriers to advisors assuming a health role were identified and discussed.

Conclusions:

• Agricultural advisors can play a crucial role in mediating stress and improving farmer health and wellbeing.
• The findings have implications for extending training to other agricultural support services.
• This initiative can serve as a model for similar programs in other regions.