Agronomists, veterinarians, contractors and land agents can become “accidental counsellors” because of the trusted relationships they build with farmers through their day-to-day work.
But researchers warn these professionals need clear boundaries, training and support themselves, alongside better access to specialist mental health services for farmers.
The study comes as British growers face mounting pressures from drought, climate change and economic uncertainty.
Researchers from the University of Essex, Harper Adams University, and the Royal Agricultural University surveyed agricultural professionals and evaluated mental health literacy training offered to some participants.
The study, conducted on behalf of the AgriWellbeing Alliance and published in the Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, found agricultural professionals primarily supported farmers by listening and offering empathy, while also helping signpost them towards further support.
Training offered by Mates in Mind and the Farming Community Network increased participants’ awareness of resources available to farmers.
However, researchers stressed that agricultural professionals should not be considered substitutes for trained mental health experts.
'Pressures on UK farmers'
Dr Dale Shaffer-Morrison, from Essex’s Department of Psychology, said: “This year's historic drought has put even more pressure on UK farmers.
“Even in the face of these challenges, farmers continue to produce our food.
“I would assert we owe it to them to make sure they are taken care of. Our research shows that the 'accidental counsellor' paradigm must be paired with additional support for farmers, like greater access to healthcare, in order to address the stress that farmers face.
“We also know from Grounded Research that weather concerns keep many farmers awake at night.
“To that end, payments that support drought and flood resilience may also help alleviate some of the stress that farmers are facing.”
Professor David Christian Rose, Elizabeth Creak Chair in Sustainable Agricultural Change at Harper Adams University, said farmers can face significant barriers when seeking professional support.
He said: “Farmers face difficulties in accessing professional support for their mental health for several reasons, including lack of availability in rural areas, a stigma in accessing support, and lack of time.
“Therefore, efforts are being increasingly made to provide mental health support in places where farmers go – such as auction marts and agricultural shows.
“Farmers spend most of their time on the farm. This can be isolating, but they are in regular contact with a network of allied professionals, such as agronomists, veterinarians, contractors, and land agents, with whom they can build trusted relationships.”
'Spot signs of distress'
However, Professor Rose warned: “These professionals could help spot signs of distress and support farmer mental health – but they are not trained mental health experts and shouldn’t be relied upon to do the job of an expert.”
Dr Laura Palczynski, who led the study, said agricultural professionals often wanted to help but were uncertain about what role they should play.
She added: “Across the varied responses we received, there was a general sense of wanting to do ‘the right thing’ but a level of uncertainty as to what that was.
“Some might consider themselves to be a friend for farmers to talk to; others preferred to not engage in conversations about farmers’ worries if unrelated to their area of expertise.
“Improved awareness of where farmers could be signposted towards for support seemed to ease the sense of responsibility for some. However, potential conflicts of interest were mentioned, particularly where performing professional duties might add to the burden of someone already struggling.
“Being more aware of farmers’ poor mental health without adequate avenues to support them practically and emotionally can weigh heavily on allied professionals.”
Researchers made five recommendations, including providing agricultural professionals with mental health literacy and signposting training, improving farmers’ access to mental health experts and establishing clear boundaries for non-specialists.
They also called for mental health support and appropriate aftercare for professionals who receive the training, and further research into the impact of equipping them with greater mental health literacy.
The AgriWellbeing Alliance brings together rural landowners, farming families, mental health organisations, agricultural contractors and advisers to raise awareness, reduce stigma and promote access to mental health and wellbeing support.
3.png?mw=300)
