Canada is boosting farm safety ahead of Agricultural Safety Week
The Government of Canada has announced more than $1.6 million in funding to support farm safety initiatives across the country, reinforcing its commitment to the health and well-being of Canada’s agricultural community.
Ahead of Canadian Agricultural Safety Week (CASW), which runs from March 16 to 22 this year, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, pledged up to $1.6 million over three years to the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA). The funding is being provided through the AgriCompetitiveness Program, part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
“Our hardworking farmers do so much for us, from putting food on our tables to keeping our economy strong,” said Minister MacAulay. “This funding will help ensure they are safe and taking care of their own health – both mental and physical – so they can continue doing the vitally important work they do. By supporting farmers and their families, we’re helping to build a stronger, safer agricultural sector for everyone.”
The funding will support a wide range of initiatives aimed at reducing the risk of injury in Canadian agriculture. These include national leadership efforts, training programs, awareness campaigns, and practical on-farm resources. A key focus will be protecting children and youth by developing safety education resources and introducing a new child and youth agricultural safety week.
Mental health will also be a priority, with programs addressing the unique stresses faced by farmers and agricultural workers.
Sandy Miller, Executive Director of CASA, welcomed the federal support. “CASA is deeply grateful for the continued support from AAFC. This vital funding allows us to work towards our vision of a safe and sustainable agriculture where healthy Canadian farm communities thrive,” said Miller. “With this generous contribution, CASA can continue to offer impactful programs, including Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, BeGrainSafe, and Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting—programs that make a positive difference in the lives of farmers, their families, farm workers and farming communities. Together, we are building a safer agricultural sector for generations to come.”
CASW, held annually during the third week of March, empowers farm families and communities to build, grow, and lead a safer agricultural industry. The importance of such initiatives is underscored by data showing 624 agriculture-related fatalities in Canada from 2011 to 2020—an average of 62 deaths per year. Children and youth account for an average of nine fatalities annually due to agriculture-related injuries.
Despite these sobering statistics, there has been progress. Agriculture-related fatalities have dropped by 36%, from an average of 110 deaths per year (1990–2005) to 70 deaths per year (2006–2020).