To kick off Canadian Agricultural Safety Week — March 16 to 22 — the Government of Canada has announced a $1.6 million commitment to initiatives aimed at improving farm safety and reducing the risk of injuries in Canadian agriculture.
Facilitated through the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) as part of the AgriCompetitiveness Program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership over a three-year period, the money will support national leadership and training programs, awareness campaigns, and on-farm resources.
The support is an essential step in reducing injury on the farm — between 2011 and 2020, 624 agriculture-related fatalities were reported in Canada, averaging 62 fatalities a year, according to a recent press release.
“Our hardworking farmers do so much for us, from putting food on our tables to keeping our economy strong. This funding will help ensure they are safe and taking care of their own health—both mental and physical—so they can continue doing the vitally important work they do,” says the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food in Canada. “By supporting farmers and their families, we’re helping to build a stronger, safer agricultural sector for everyone.”
Focus on Comprehensive Farm Safety Initiatives
With agricultural fatalities having decreased by 36 per cent from an average of 110 deaths per year (1990 to 2005) to 70 deaths per year (2006 to 2020), the new funding underscores the ongoing need to further lower these numbers. The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association, a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and safety of farmers, their families, and agricultural workers, plays a pivotal role in this endeavor, leading the charge in training and awareness.
“CASA is deeply grateful for the continued support from AAFC. This vital funding allows us to work towards our vision of a safe and sustainable agriculture where healthy Canadian farm communities thrive,” says Sandy Miller, Executive Director of CASA.
With this funding, CASA can continue offering impactful programs that create a positive difference, including Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, BeGrainSafe, and Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting.
Supporting Mental Health and Youth Safety
In addition to addressing physical safety, the new initiatives will emphasize mental health, focusing on the unique stresses faced by those in the agricultural community. This is particularly important as an average of nine children and youth lost their lives each year due to agricultural-related injuries from 2006 to 2020. A new initiative will focus on ensuring the health and safety of children and youth by developing safety education resources and promoting a dedicated child and youth agricultural safety week.
The investment in training, awareness campaigns, and on-farm resources will help cultivate safer practices across farms, ensuring that both experienced producers and the next generation are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate a secure working environment.
In a sector that is crucial to Canada’s economy, the focus on both mental and physical well-being is essential for the continued success and sustainability of agriculture.
