International Agricultural Worker Wellness Program

Jun 26, 2025

About the Program

The International Agricultural Worker Wellness Program aims to address the unique mental health and wellness challenges faced by temporary international agricultural workers in Ontario. By providing culturally responsive mental health promotion, prevention workshops, and referrals to community services, the program will equip workers with the tools to manage stress, social isolation, and other wellness concerns. In collaboration with local CMHAs, farm management, and community coalitions, the program will deliver multilingual resources, accessible workshops, and outreach initiatives to promote psychological safety and wellbeing. Over two years, the program will be piloted in Windsor-Essex and Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk, impacting both workers and employers in creating healthier agricultural environments.

Background

The mental health and well-being of International Agricultural Workers (IAWs) in Ontario is increasingly recognized as an area requiring urgent attention. In April 2022, the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers released a report that highlighted various psychosocial challenges faced by IAWs. Many of these challenges are related to their unique employment and legal status in Canada as well as their isolation from family, language and culture while working in Ontario.

IAWs contribute significantly to Ontario’s agricultural economy, particularly in regions like Haldimand-Norfolk and Windsor-Essex, where approximately 60% of IAWs reside. These workers face unique mental health challenges due to isolation, language barriers, and demanding work conditions. Mental health services that address their specific needs and provide outreach in a culturally appropriate manner are vital for ensuring their well-being.

Education

Workshops for International Agricultural Workers

Three psychoeducational workshops, available in English and Spanish:
- Managing stress
- Understanding Loneliness and Building Community
- Teamwork and Problem Solving
They are offered in person and online and range from short 15-minute sessions to full one-hour workshops, depending on the setting.
These sessions are culturally adapted, dynamic, and practical, designed to make learning engaging and relevant to participants’ everyday experiences, and can be delivered in a variety of settings, including both indoor and outdoor environments.
The approach emphasizes participation and interaction, making each session not just informative, but also a well-being experience in itself.
This is complemented by ongoing engagement through WhatsApp, reinforcing learning and sharing relevant information and activities.

Workshops for Farm Owners and Supervisors

IAWWP offers a dedicated session titled “Introduction to Psychological Safety for Employers of International Agricultural Workers”.
This workshop focuses on four key areas that support psychologically safe and productive workplaces, drawing from the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace:
- Psychological and social support
- Clear leadership and expectations
- Civility and respect
- Protection of physical safety
It provides practical strategies to strengthen communication, build trust within teams, and support overall well-being in day-to-day farm operations, with consideration for the unique context and experiences of International Agricultural Workers.
The session is practical and accessible, using real-life scenarios and informed by input from farm owners and supervisors to ensure it reflects on-the-ground realities.

Our workshops are designed to address the unique mental health needs of international agricultural workers, as well as farm operators and supervisors by providing practical tools and strategies. These workshops aim to foster connection, resilience, and overall well-being amongst the agricultural community.

Farmer Wellness Initiative (FWI)

IAWWP provides free, confidential counselling available 24/7, year-round, by phone or online.
This support is accessible in workers’ preferred language, helping reduce barriers related to communication, comfort, and trust.
The counselling pillar is designed to ensure that workers can access timely mental health support in a way that is flexible, private, and responsive to their circumstances.

Resource Guide

As a practical tool, it complements the program’s education and counselling pillars by helping workers navigate available resources more confidently.

IAWWP provides a region-specific Resource Guide that connects workers to local supports and services in their community:

English-BHN-IAW-Resource-Guide_DIGITAL-1.pdf

Spanish-BHN-IAW-Resource-Guide_DIGITAL.pdf

The guide is designed to make it easier for workers to identify where to go for help, information, and day-to-day supports within the region where they are living and working.

The IAW worker in Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk is Diana Granobles. For more information about the program, or to book a workshop in the Brant-Haldimand Norfolk area:

Diana Granobles

IAW Wellness Outreach Support Worker (Spanish/English)

Phone: (519)428-2380 ext. 205

WhatsApp (519)420-8230

Email: diana@cmhabhn.ca

Brant Office (Administration)

44 King Street, Suite 203, Brantford, ON N3T 3C7

Haldimand Norfolk Office

395 Queensway West, Simcoe, ON N3Y 2N4

Brant Haldimand Norfolk Resource Guide EN – Agriculture Wellness Ontario

Our Partners

This program joins the suite of mental health programs at Agriculture Wellness Ontario which is managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division. This program will be delivered in partnership with CMHA Windsor Essex and CMHA Brant-Haldimand Norfolk.

Our Funders

This project is funded in part by the Governments of Canada and Ontario under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a five-year, federal-provincial-territorial initiative.