Introducing AgTalk: The Do More Agriculture Foundation Launches New Peer Support Platform
Saskatoon, June 20, 2023 - The Do More Agriculture Foundation (Do More Ag) is thrilled to announce the launch of AgTalk powered by Togetherall. The peer support platform will be accessible across the entire Canadian agriculture industry. The platform provides a safe and anonymous space where anyone 16+ can connect, share, and receive support from a community of peers who relate to their unique experiences. With 24/7 bilingual clinical moderation, AgTalk, powered by Togetherall, ensures a secure environment for open discussions on mental health.
It can be challenging to acknowledge and seek support for mental health needs. With these challenges in mind, BASF, RBC, and McCain Foundation have come together to support the foundation in launching AgTalk to address the specific mental health needs of Canadian producers.
“BASF is thrilled to support the development and launch of AgTalk as part of Do More Ag’s continued efforts to provide mental health support to Canadian farmers,” said Jonathan Sweat, Vice President at BASF Canada Agricultural Solutions. “Supporting farmers extends beyond the field. It’s important to BASF that we’re supporting farmers – and those who work in the agricultural industry – in meaningful ways, including through resources that facilitate connection, dialogue and support in areas that matter like this.”
AgTalk serves as a valuable resource that acknowledges and provides support through various stages of one's mental health journey.
“In recent years, our agriculture communities have been exposed to economic volatility and stressful environmental conditions that have taken a toll on their mental health. Addressing our farmers’ emotional health and wellbeing is key to economic prosperity and the continued growth of the agriculture sector,” said Sue Noble, VP of Commercial Banking Strategy at RBC. “Our partnership with AgTalk is an important step in this direction, that’ll provide agriculture communities a safe and secure space to improve their mental health and wellbeing.”
One of the key advantages of AgTalk, powered by Togetherall, is the platform’s 24/7 clinical moderation. In order to ensure a safe environment, licensed clinicians will monitor the platform and ensure that users can engage in an open and supportive dialogue.
“Given agriculture’s strong sense of community, Do More Ag has recognized a need for a peer to peer support for some time,” said Lauren Martin, Board Chair of Do More Ag, “We are exceptionally grateful for the collaboration of BASF, RBC and the McCain Foundation to make this partnership a reality.”
By offering an anonymous peer-to-peer support platform, AgTalk, powered by Togetherall, provides a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, seek guidance, support their peers and receive support from others who can relate to their experiences.
“The McCain Foundation appreciates the need to support the health and wellbeing of our agricultural communities and the focus of Do More Ag on the mental health of farmers and their families,” said Linda McCain, Chair of the McCain Foundation. “It is our hope that AgTalk will help overcome some of the many barriers that prevent people in need from accessing support.”
"We understand that mental health journeys are deeply personal, and everyone progresses at their own pace," said Megz Reynolds, Executive Director of Do More Ag. "AgTalk, is designed to support individuals in their next steps towards improved mental wellbeing, allowing them to share and connect when they are ready. The clinically moderated environment provides an added layer of support and wellbeing for our community."
For more information about AgTalk and The Do More Agriculture Foundation, please visit domore.ag/agtalk.
About The Do More Agriculture Foundation:
The Do More Agriculture Foundation is the national voice and champion for mental health in Canadian agriculture and is changing the culture to one where all are encouraged, supported, and empowered to take care of their mental wellbeing. By collaborating with industry, government, and those working to address mental health, we can and will make a substantial Impact.
About Togetherall:
Togetherall is the clinically moderated, online community where individuals give and get support on concerns affecting their mental health. Individuals share what’s on their minds, anonymously, safely, and in the moment with peers who have similar lived experiences. Togetherall provides an unmatched level of clinical rigor. All our online moderators are licensed mental health clinicians, ensuring 24/7 oversight of our peer-to-peer community and immediate risk-detection and clinical intervention, if the need arises. To date, over 4.6 million individuals worldwide have access to Togetherall with the majority of users joining citing feelings of depression and/or anxiety.
About BASF’s Agricultural Solutions Division:
BASF Canada Agricultural Solutions, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, has over 625 employees who work at one of three production facilities across Canada including: Lethbridge, Saskatoon, and Regina, or one of several research farms across the Canadian prairies. Agricultural Solutions is the largest division of BASF Canada Inc., working closely with the regional Agricultural Solutions team, collaborating on research and product development that benefits North American growers. To find out more about BASF Canada Agricultural Solutions, visit www.agsolutions.ca or follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/BASFAgSolutions.
Farming is fundamental to provide enough healthy and affordable food for a rapidly growing population while reducing environmental impacts. Working with partners and agricultural experts and by integrating sustainability criteria into all business decisions, we help farmers to create a positive impact on sustainable agriculture. That’s why we invest in a strong R&D pipeline, connecting innovative thinking with practical action in the field. Our portfolio comprises seeds and specifically selected plant traits, chemical and biological crop protection, solutions for soil management, plant health, pest control and digital farming. With expert teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we strive to find the right balance for success – for farmers, agriculture and future generations. In 2022, our division generated sales of €10.3 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or any of our social media channels.
About BASF:
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €87.3 billion in 2022. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.
About RBC:
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 98,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our 17 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.
We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-social-impact.
About McCain Foundation:
The McCain Foundation believes that strong communities offer citizens well-being and opportunity in all areas of life. The Foundation has a deep appreciation for the contributions rural communities have made to McCain Foods Limited, especially those near production facilities in the Atlantic Provinces, Alberta and Manitoba. Grants are provided in these regions for projects, both small and large, in the areas of arts and culture, community services, education, environment and health and welfare.