An organization that supports the B.C. agriculture industry is widening its network of helping. 

AgSafe BC has teamed with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) to host in-person AgLife Connector training in August.

The free training is for anyone involved in the sector to learn how to support and connect people with mental health supports. 

Matt Treble with CMHA is the AgLife project manager and program facilitator.

There are two all day sessions, one in Kelowna on Aug. 6, and the the other in Penticton on Aug. 8. 

Register for the Kelowna session and the Penticton session .

According to AgSafe, Canadian farmers have higher levels of burnout than those in other countries, and farmers are disproportionately impacted by suicide.

In 2021, the provincial Mental Health Support Line reported a 15 to 20 per cent increase in calls following the Sumas prairie floods in November with hard-hit farmers making up most of the increase.

AgLife is a suicide prevention and mental health awareness initiative offering access to resources, information, training and education, and support around mental health challenges.