Asked about the main issues and challenges that await farmers in the region for the next year, the MNA for Rouyn-Noranda-Témiscamingue and Quebec Solidaire agriculture spokesperson, Émilise Lessard-Therrien, did not hesitate to put the issue of mental health at the top of the list.
A must is the issue of the mental health of our farmers. We saw during the pandemic how the general mental health of Mr. and Mrs. everyone took a hit with the measures related to containment. Farmers are people who are already a little isolated on their farm and there, we take away all opportunities to socialize, so it is worrying
, she believes.
For the president of the Union of agricultural producers for the region of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Pascal Rheault, there is no doubt that the pandemic has accentuated the isolation among many farmers.
It is certain that the members are a little weakened. Often, we met, so we found some solutions, but there, being at a distance, we meet less often. We know that it’s a job in which we are isolated, so in addition, not being able to meet or see each other more often, it’s more difficult
, he says.
In order to help producers get through some more difficult times, a row worker is stationed in Témiscamingue, but the UPA would like such a resource to also be available in Abitibi, starting this spring. According to Mr. Rheault, the needs for this type of service are significant.
She will meet the producers, discuss their experiences, put in place means to get through this psychological suffering, because there is more and more of it. It is really a lack, the need is there. Even in Témiscamingue, she must start doing some of her interviews in Abitibi
, soutient M. Rheault.
The one who occupies this important role in Témiscamingue, Sabrina Audet-Godin, is not able to say whether the increase in demand this past year is due solely to the pandemic or also to the fact that the service is better known. She indicates that the producers most affected by the pandemic are those who were previously very active at the social level and involved in various committees. According to Ms. Audet-Godin, the fear of catching COVID-19 is also anxious for some farmers.
Whether it is them or a loved one, it could affect their work. If they are no longer able to go to work, who will do it for them? It is a stress that is present in some producers.
Sabrina Audet-Godin is a row worker (archives)
Photo : Facebook/Sabrina Audet-Godin
—
A different reality
Head of the psychological health committee for the Union des producteurs agricoles de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Normand Lemieux is well placed to know that the reality of a farmer is totally different than that of a person who works a conventional schedule.
What must be understood is that agricultural production is a model apart. We could perhaps compare it to certain entrepreneurs, to certain SMEs. We live in our workplace. There is no distinction between living environment and working environment. When things are going badly in our business, we generally have difficulty not bringing the problems home. It’s different from someone who works 9 to 5 and is able to drop out completely. We are hardly achievable
, explains Mr. Lemieux.
Regarding the impacts of the pandemic on the psychological health of farmers, Normand Lemieux indicates that some have been positive, while others have been negative.
There were some positive elements unlike other sectors. For example, for us, it was not necessarily a chore to have the children as we are always at home. But some other things were a little more negative. Of course, agricultural producers are a little more used than the average person to being isolated, but being isolated to the extreme is problematic.
, he attests.
Princy farm, by Sainte-Germaine Boulé (archives)
Photo: Radio-Canada / Lise Millette
—
According to Mr. Lemieux, the pandemic has also brought uncertainty related to the ability of suppliers to serve agricultural producers well. For him, this element is in addition to problems already present before the pandemic.
Team work
According to Normand Lemieux, one of the main strengths of the psychological health committee is the teamwork carried out in concert with the various stakeholders in the field.
We really have very good support from suicide prevention centers, and very good support from the health network as well. It also gives me the opportunity to sit on the Men’s Health and Well-Being Table, who do exceptional work to support producers, but also people in general. What impresses me in this file, psychological health, is that there are many interveners, and they all work hand in hand to improve the situation.
, he rejoices.
Not the same situation everywhere
Some farmers, some of whom work with family members, say they do not suffer the consequences of isolation as much as some colleagues. This is the case of Bertrand Bégin, co-owner of the Princy farm in Ste-Germaine-Boulé.
We are used to working alone and in a closed environment, so I think we have a solid rind on that side. Here in our company, I work with my two children and even my father who comes to work for pleasure. We are a small nucleus and we have always rubbed shoulders, so we are not so isolated
, he says.
–