ARTICLE
On average, one U.S. farm feeds 16 people annually in the U.S. and abroad. The global population is expected to increase by 2.2 billion by 2050, meaning the world’s farmers will have to grow about 70% more food than what is being produced today. That is a lot of pressure and stress to add to farmers’ already full plates. In May of 2023, Delaware Farm Bureau (DEFB) launched a new marketing campaign, “Healthy Farmers Grow Healthy Crops,” which was funded, in part, by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) through the Strategic Action Fund Grant. Through this campaign, mental health resources were promoted and made accessible to our members and the public. May is National Mental Health Awareness Month and DEFB wants to remind everyone that these resources are available for anyone that is struggling with their mental health. Better health care for farmers has been a priority for AFBF as agriculture continues to evolve in the United States. The organization’s Farm State of Mind campaign focuses on building awareness and reducing the stigma. The Farm State of Mind website helps farmers find local and national resources through their Farm State of Mind resource directory. Announced at the AFBF 2024 Convention, AFBF now provides members access to Togetherall services, which is a safe and clinically moderated peer-to-peer community, provided through the Farm Family Wellness Alliance. “Farming is tough even on the best days. That’s why Farm Bureau has been committed to helping farmers and ranchers across the country get connected with the tools and resources they need to promote mental health and wellbeing – and to check in on their friends, neighbors and loved ones,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. Learn more by visiting AFBF’s Farm State of Mind website at www.fb.org/initiative/farm-state-of-mind. To learn more about the Farm Family Wellness Alliance and the services available through the Togetherall platform, visit www.farmfoundation.org/farm-family-wellness-alliance/.