A survey of UK consumers completed by farming charity, Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) revealed a “strong public backing” for fair prices and protecting farmers’ mental health.
There were 1,039 respondents, of which 90% agreed that farmers cannot be expected to provide food and environmental benefits, if it puts their mental health at risk.
The RABI reported that there was also a high recognition for farmers’ contributions to the countryside, economy and to national targets on food security and the environment.
The survey asked ‘where best should wellbeing support for British farmers come from?’, the respondents advocated for improved collaboration across society, such as government, retailers and consumers.
RABI stated that the respondents ranged in age from 17 – 79 and were based in both, urban and rural settings.
RABI’s chief executive, Alicia Chivers said:
“I am heartened by the public’s wider recognition of farmers’ contributions to society and the collective need to protect our farming peoples’ mental health.
“It is reassuring to see the public agreeing that improving access to mental health services for farmers should be a collective effort.”
On Wednesday, April 17, the RABI will launch its year of ‘Empowering the Worth of Wellbeing of Farming People‘ initiative in parliament.
This year-long activity will detail RABI’s commitments and how it plans to broaden their engagement with partners to help them implement preventative support.
The launch will be supported by social media farming influencers and broadcasters, Tom Pemberton and Rebecca Wilson.
Minister of State for Food, Farming and Fisheries, Sir Mark Spencer, will be in attendance, with other invited parliamentarians and leading figures from agriculture and the third sector.
Chivers added that RABI knows that the wellbeing of the farming community is everybody’s responsibility and that RABI is “confident” that it has the opportunity to build a future where farming can “thrive”.
RABI
RABI is a charity that provides mental health and wellbeing support, as well as financial, emotional and practical help to farming people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The charities team are based across England and Wales and work closely with its regional networks of partners, local authorities and support organisations.
It also has a free 24/7 helpline which can be contacted via the number provided on its website.
