Écoute Agricole turns 10, new president looks ahead

Écoute Agricole turns 10, new president looks ahead

The non-profit organization Écoute Agricole marked its 10th anniversary last month, celebrating their contributions to the agricultural community of western Quebec. Staff celebrated the milestone at its annual fundraising gala, which brought in a staggering $114,000.

President Caroline Alary explained that the organization offers frontline mental health services to farmers and agricultural workers. Clients either call themselves or can be referred by someone, and are put in touch with a farm wellness worker, who can come and meet with them on the farm and help them access services within their community.

They currently have two workers each in the Outaouais and Laurentian regions and soon hope to add another in Laval.

Alary added that in recent years they’ve seen a shift in that clients will reach out to them directly instead of being referred to them by a friend or family member. She attributed this change to both the organization being better known, but also more awareness about mental health issues in general.

The full interview with Alary (6m25) is available here.