Ms Alice Doyle:

Buíochas ón IFA as an gcuireadh inniu. I am joined by the IFA's farm family and social affairs chair, Ms Teresa Roche, and its social affairs policy executive, Ms Claire McGlynn.

Farming is more than an occupation in Ireland. It is a way of life that shapes our rural communities, economy and national identity; however, behind pride, tradition and hard work, there is a growing and pressing concern: the mental health and wellbeing of our farmers. Farmers face unique stressors: financial pressures, market uncertainty, isolation, regulatory complexity, unpredictable weather and the emotional weight of maintaining a family legacy. There is no clocking out and very little room for rest. Despite these challenges, many farmers are slow to seek help. Cultural norms around stoicism, combined with limited access to services in rural areas, mean that emotional distress often goes unspoken and untreated. When we talk about supporting agriculture, we often focus on prices, supports and trade, but the wellbeing of the person behind the gate is just as important. A farmer struggling with stress, anxiety or depression is more at risk of making unsafe decisions, more likely to withdraw socially and less likely to engage with services that could help improve their farm and their life. Good mental health leads to better judgment, stronger relationships and more sustainable farming practices. If we want a healthy farming sector, we need to support healthy farmers. A recent study conducted by University College Dublin has laid bare the extent of this crisis.

Initiatives to raise awareness, train agricultural advisers in mental health literacy and provide better access to rural services are extremely important. However, we now need to move beyond recognition. We need action that is co-ordinated, properly funded and grounded in what farmers themselves are telling us. That begins with treating mental well-being not as an afterthought but as a core part of agricultural sustainability. It means ensuring that services are not only available but also accessible in terms of time, location and cultural fit. It means putting trained counsellors and peer support into the spaces where farmers already go, namely marts, discussion groups, co-ops and farm events. It means integrating psychological education and coping skills into rural training and community outreach programmes. Crucially, it means involving farmers directly in the design and delivery of those supports so nothing feels imposed or out of touch with their lived experience.