DEFRA moves on mental health

Officials from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have agreed to take forward recommendations for a mental health strategy for the farming industry.

By The Newsroom

Published 9th Apr 2016, 07:55 BST

Their response has followed a written request from David Simpson MP for the UK Government to take pro-active measures to deal with the huge mental strains that farmers are facing as a direct result of the strains of the industry. Mr Simpson will be meeting with DEFRA officials in the coming weeks to ensure that a clear and strategic vision is placed on the mental well-being of those working within the industry.

He said: “In recent days I have been contacted by the Department to acknowledge receipt of my recent correspondence. I will be liaising closely with the Department to ensure that this mental health strategy will be a ground breaking model to tackle this issue head on. Farmers in Northern Ireland and right across the UK work tirelessly to provide high quality produce for consumers, and it is vital that Government supports them with a positive environment to work in.”