The challenges of farming can affect one's mental health, and that is why there is a growing need to help the province’s farmers cope with stress.
Innovation Saskatchewan, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, is asking technology entrepreneurs to develop a way for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers to monitor their mental health.
The search for answers is part of the latest Innovation Challenge, which was launched on March 5.
According to a government press release, there is an increasing need for such a service, given that calls to the farm stress line doubled in 2018-19 over the previous year. Moreover, a 2016 survey of Canadian farmers found over half of the respondents met the classifications for anxiety, while one-third met the classifications for depression.
“There’s a lot you can’t control on a farming operation and you’re usually working in an isolated environment — both can take a toll on the mental health of farmers and ranchers,” Agriculture Minister David Marit said. “This year’s Innovation Challenge is another way the Government of Saskatchewan can support its producers and agribusinesses. Mental health in the agriculture industry is incredibly important, and I’m looking forward to seeing the innovative ideas that come from this process.”
Selected submissions will be shortlisted. A pitch competition will determine a winner. Winners will receive $10,000 in funding and a 16-week collaboration with the government to develop their concept. The deadline for submissions is April 30.
Public information sessions will be held in Saskatoon and Regina, on March 17 and 19, as well as online on March 24. Further information will be posted on Innovation Saskatchewan’s website.
