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AgKnow funding turned down AgKnow funding turned down
Mickey Dumont, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Claresholm Local Press
A request for funding from AgKnow – the Alberta Farm Mental Health Network – was unanimously denied by the Municipal District of Willow Creek’s Agricultural Service Board (ASB).
Meeting Nov. 27, the ASB turned down the request arguing it still didn’t understand AgKnow, despite previously asking them for supporting information on how it fits into the mental health network caring for Alberta producers.
AgKnow was asking the ASB for $2,000 to help it through what the organization describes as “funding challenges.”
In May, the Municipal District of Willow Creek sent AgKnow a letter supporting the sentiments raised in its initial request for funding. But the M.D. also included the request for information to aid its ASB in making an informed decision.
In a September letter, AgKnow said it is operating on a month-to-month basis, relying on stakeholder contributions while seeking multi-year funding. The organization requires $30,000 monthly for current operations, with an additional $30,000 needed to reopen its free session program. Funding sources include ASBs, RDAR (Results Driven Agriculture Research), businesses, and individual farmers, with grant applications in progress.
The “challenges” include delays in the grant approval process and limited organizational capacity for fundraising. AgKnow is exploring various funding options and partnerships, aiming for three to four year commitments to ensure stable, long-term operations and focus on service delivery.
“I have mixed emotions about this,” explained ASB board member Cecilie Fleming. “Is it duplicating what already exists, or are their programs working hand-in-hand.”
In summary, AgKnow attempts to provide support for farming individuals experiencing the rising rates of anxiety, chronic stress, and depression. AgKnow would serve to support farmers by providing mental health care that is catered to farmers, from someone who understands the day-to-day struggles in agriculture.
“Nobody has provided us with a financial breakdown… what do they spend their money on?” ASB North Region member at large, Josh Fankhauser asked. “Nobody is saying ‘helping farmers with mental health issues is the problem’, but I am refusing their request until we get more information.”
“I don’t think getting more info is going to change anyone’s mind,” Coun. Evan Berger said just prior to the vote that defeated the financial request.
The Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) is a federally funded program to add coverage in under-covered areas or on under-covered issues. This content is created and submitted by participating publishers and is not edited. Access can also be gained by registering and logging in at: https://lji-ijl.ca
A request for funding from AgKnow – the Alberta Farm Mental Health Network – was unanimously denied by the Municipal District of Willow Creek’s Agricultural Service Board (ASB).
Meeting Nov. 27, the ASB turned down the request arguing it still didn’t understand AgKnow, despite previously asking them for supporting information on how it fits into the mental health network caring for Alberta producers.
AgKnow was asking the ASB for $2,000 to help it through what the organization describes as “funding challenges.”
In May, the Municipal District of Willow Creek sent AgKnow a letter supporting the sentiments raised in its initial request for funding. But the M.D. also included the request for information to aid its ASB in making an informed decision.
In a September letter, AgKnow said it is operating on a month-to-month basis, relying on stakeholder contributions while seeking multi-year funding. The organization requires $30,000 monthly for current operations, with an additional $30,000 needed to reopen its free session program. Funding sources include ASBs, RDAR (Results Driven Agriculture Research), businesses, and individual farmers, with grant applications in progress.
The “challenges” include delays in the grant approval process and limited organizational capacity for fundraising. AgKnow is exploring various funding options and partnerships, aiming for three to four year commitments to ensure stable, long-term operations and focus on service delivery.
“I have mixed emotions about this,” explained ASB board member Cecilie Fleming. “Is it duplicating what already exists, or are their programs working hand-in-hand.”
In summary, AgKnow attempts to provide support for farming individuals experiencing the rising rates of anxiety, chronic stress, and depression. AgKnow would serve to support farmers by providing mental health care that is catered to farmers, from someone who understands the day-to-day struggles in agriculture.
“Nobody has provided us with a financial breakdown… what do they spend their money on?” ASB North Region member at large, Josh Fankhauser asked. “Nobody is saying ‘helping farmers with mental health issues is the problem’, but I am refusing their request until we get more information.”
“I don’t think getting more info is going to change anyone’s mind,” Coun. Evan Berger said just prior to the vote that defeated the financial request.
The Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) is a federally funded program to add coverage in under-covered areas or on under-covered issues. This content is created and submitted by participating publishers and is not edited. Access can also be gained by registering and logging in at: https://lji-ijl.ca