The PEI Federation of Agriculture has become much more aware of the nature and extent of farm stress within farm families across the Island.

As we are all aware farmers have been affected by below cost of production prices, dry/wet growing seasons, and loss of markets (through no fault of the farmer) as a result of the discovery of potato wart and BSE. There are multiple problems associated with contemporary farm life. These problems include financial crises, relationship difficulties, intergenerational conflict,substance abuse, increased violence in the home, and more.

A program has been established that will see the development of a counselling service for farmers, their families and their employees. It will be administered through the PEI Federation of Agriculture (PEIFA) in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture (DAFA).

The Farm Health and Safety Program, also administered by the PEIFA these past number of years, started a system of helpful sessions on the subject of farm stress for farmers, their families, and their employees. As well, Dr. Nikki Gerrard was contracted in 2001 to provide a core of participants with knowledge and alternatives for developing effective stress management strategies for farm businesses. She conducted information and 'train the trainer' workshops for a specialized group of mental health workers, rural clergy, financial staff, extension workers and other associated agricultural personnel.

Three of the professionals who participated in Dr. Gerrard's workshop will coordinate The Farmer Assistance Program (FAP). This program will provide a valuable bilingual service to those individuals who can use some guidance to help them through a difficult time. A trained, experienced counsellor will be available to listen and provide advice to those who need 'a helping hand'.

Financial concerns are often at the root of many stress related problems. Nowhere is this more true than on the farm. The program will be able to provide a reference point and clearinghouse for those who need financial advice. Counsellors will be able to provide advice on where to turn for financial guidance in uncertain times.

In addition to this service, the FAP will help farm families and employees deal with a wide range of problems that affect their personal well-being and work performance. These problems may include work and family pressures, job stress, alcohol and drug dependency, marital issues, children or conflict.

The FAP counsellors have a wide variety of experience in a range of problem areas, including:

• Stress and Anxiety
• Trauma/Critical Incidents
• Alcohol and drug misuse
• Bereavement
• Couple and Marital counselling
• Depression
• Elder care concerns
• Family matters/parenting concerns
• Legal issues
• Learning disabilities
• Grief counselling
• Job conflict
• Career counselling
• Anger Management
• Counsellling with children and teens

• Individual and family assessment
• Counselling and referrals as warranted
• Wellness sessions
• Consultation and support services

A farmer is an individual, partnership, cooperative or other association of persons engaged in the production of crops, livestock or other eligible commodities intended for commercial sale.

Farm employee refers to an individual who is employed for at least four months full-time with the intent of being rehired.

Confidentiality is key to any counselling service. Counselling sessions will be held in private offices, NOT connected with either the Federation of Agriculture (PEIFA) or the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture (DAFA). No one within the PEIFA or DAFA will know who uses this service.

The cost for this service will be free of charge to farmers, their families and their employees.

The services will be accessible 24 hours a day by contacting the counselling coordinators -Jan Henry, Caroline LeBlanc or Frank MacAulay directly at (902) 894-8006 or toll free at 1 800 736-8206.

All calls and enquiries will remain confidential.