Consumer Perception of Agricultural Stress on Farmer’s Mental Health and Well-Being
Abstract
Consumer desires and trends have the potential to influence farming practices, agricultural policies, and market dynamics. Understanding how these factors impact farmers' mental health can inform policy decisions and initiatives that support sustainable farming practices and foster a positive farming environment.
Through exploring the relationship between consumer preferences, desires, trends, and the mental well-being of farmers we can shed light on the challenges and stressors farmers may face in meeting evolving consumer expectations. The ability to identify factors contributing to heightened stress levels and mental health issues among farmers, agriculture and mental health experts are able to design communication interventions to address the dissonance between the two populations. Recognizing the impact of consumer desires on farmer mental health has broader implications for sustainable agriculture. The well-being of farmers directly affects the overall sustainability and productivity of the agricultural industry.
By developing a deep understanding how consumer desires intersect with these farming related stressors we are able to suggest health care solutions which address the complex dynamics of farmer mental health, all while strengthening the overall relationship between farmers and consumers..
A comprehensive literature review was conducted to highlight the lack of research on consumer’s understanding of farmer’s stress. Further environmental scans were conducted which showcased examples of farmer and consumer partnerships to strengthen the relationship and communication channels between farmers and consumers.
Researchers designed a study to explore how consumers interpret farmer’s stress and overall mental well-being. In partnership with the Georgia Agricultural Wellness Alliance, a survey will be distributed in Fall 2023, with funding from the Georgia Rural Health Center. Consumers will be asked to identify possible stressors for farmers.
Findings will support a series of actions communities, primary care, mental health, and farmers can take to address farming stressors through improved relationships with consumers.
Keywords
Mental Health, Well-Being, Rural Health, Farmer's Health, Community-Based Participatory Research
Consumer Perception of Agricultural Stress on Farmer’s Mental Health and Well-Being
Consumer desires and trends have the potential to influence farming practices, agricultural policies, and market dynamics. Understanding how these factors impact farmers' mental health can inform policy decisions and initiatives that support sustainable farming practices and foster a positive farming environment.
Through exploring the relationship between consumer preferences, desires, trends, and the mental well-being of farmers we can shed light on the challenges and stressors farmers may face in meeting evolving consumer expectations. The ability to identify factors contributing to heightened stress levels and mental health issues among farmers, agriculture and mental health experts are able to design communication interventions to address the dissonance between the two populations. Recognizing the impact of consumer desires on farmer mental health has broader implications for sustainable agriculture. The well-being of farmers directly affects the overall sustainability and productivity of the agricultural industry.
By developing a deep understanding how consumer desires intersect with these farming related stressors we are able to suggest health care solutions which address the complex dynamics of farmer mental health, all while strengthening the overall relationship between farmers and consumers..
A comprehensive literature review was conducted to highlight the lack of research on consumer’s understanding of farmer’s stress. Further environmental scans were conducted which showcased examples of farmer and consumer partnerships to strengthen the relationship and communication channels between farmers and consumers.
Researchers designed a study to explore how consumers interpret farmer’s stress and overall mental well-being. In partnership with the Georgia Agricultural Wellness Alliance, a survey will be distributed in Fall 2023, with funding from the Georgia Rural Health Center. Consumers will be asked to identify possible stressors for farmers.
Findings will support a series of actions communities, primary care, mental health, and farmers can take to address farming stressors through improved relationships with consumers.
