Wellbeing of farmers gauged in major survey
FARMERS are being asked to make an “important contribution” by taking part in the largest-ever mental and physical wellbeing survey of its kind.
The Big Farming Survey aims to identify how “increasingly complex challenges” within the industry are impacting people’s health, as well as the performance of farming businesses.
Launched this week by the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI), the study is a key strand of the farming welfare charity’s ambitious five-year strategy to reach a far wider audience, and achieve its vision that no farmer should ever face adversity alone.
Delivered in partnership with the Centre for Rural Research based at the University of Exeter and supported by key stakeholders and partners across the agricultural industry, it is open to all farmers, farm workers, spouses and adult-aged children.
Alicia Chivers, chief executive of RABI, said: “RABI is acutely aware of the mounting pressures in the sector. To serve our community effectively, we require a greater understanding of how these factors affect daily life which is why we’ve launched the Big Farming Survey.
“It is vital that the voices of farming people are heard. It only takes 15 minutes to complete the questionnaire and everyone who participates will be making an important contribution.”
Ms Chivers hopes the survey will achieve 26,000 responses from farming people in England and Wales. “Setting the ambitious goal of 26,000 responses will ensure we can build the most comprehensive picture of life in agriculture today,” she added. “The research will enable us to formulate more effective tools and support strategies to enhance farmer wellbeing now and into the future.”
Serving the farming community since 1860, RABI is farming’s oldest and largest charity, offering financial support, practical care and guidance to farming people of all ages, including farmers, farmworkers and dependants. RABI also supports around 1,700 people a year with oneoff or regular grants.
Ms Chivers continued: “There is growing awareness that there are some fundamental wellbeing issues in farming that need to be better understood and addressed. We are working with a range of partners so that we can develop effective, preventative services that fulfil the needs of farming people and make a valuable difference.
“Farming people are raised to be ‘robust’ and ‘resilient’, yet these expectations simply aren’t realistic. We are not indestructible. The reality is we all have the capacity to be affected by difficulties and challenges. By initiating frank and honest conversations, I believe we can begin to ‘normalise’ our vulnerabilities. Breaking down these invisible barriers will ultimately empower farming people - ensuring they can move forward more positively by accessing the support that they need.”
The survey runs until March 31, 2021 and can be completed online at rabi.org.uk/BigFarmingSurvey. For printed copies email: FarmSurvey@ exeter.ac.uk.