The DUP’s Westminister Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson said:”Whilst rewarding, farming can be a lonely and isolated occupation which poses personal and mental health challenges for farmers on a daily basis.

“Farmers have a reputation for being resilient in the face of adversity, but charities and organisations such as the Rural Chaplaincy and Rural Support are seeing an ever-increasing demand for confidential and impartial guidance on a range of farming-related issues, including financial worries and family disputes.

“The agri-industry is facing a number of uphill challenges, leaving many farmers and their families not knowing where to turn. Across Northern Ireland and further afield, farmers are

facing financial turmoil due to rising overhead costs, poor farmgate prices, inclement weather, animal diseases such as TB and a lack of clarity on pending bureaucracy. Those living in rural areas are also targeted by fraud and rural crime, and the labour government’s inheritance tax proposals have stirred up immeasurable worries for generations of farming families.

Ms Lockhart continued: ”Boots on the Ground is a training programme aimed at those employed within the agri-sector who make regular visits to farms. Frequent visitors such as sales reps, nutritionists, vets and contractors, are continually and unexpectedly finding themselves acting as confidantes and providing a listening ear for farmers who are stressed and facing turmoil.

“This new initiative is designed for agri-sector employees who deal directly with farmers and their families. The bespoke training programme will provide knowledge and awareness of mental health, giving attendees the confidence to offer support and engage in meaningful conversations with those experiencing difficulties. The course will also outline the various support networks and self-care tools available.

“Course participants will also receive training on how to be more self-aware and manage their own emotional well-being during challenging situations.”

Carla Lockhart MP added:”Within the last few months I met with Rural Support officials Kevin Doherty and Gyles Dawson, alongside independent dairy consultant Ian Carrick and DUP party colleagues Michelle McIlveen MLA and Thomas Buchanan MLA.

“It is hugely concerning that suicide and depression is on the rise across the entire community. It isn’t just confined to rural areas and age has no boundaries.

“The agri-food sector is under so much pressure and Rural Support is continually receiving calls from individuals and farming families who are consumed by stress, anxiety and feel they have nowhere to turn due to circumstances beyond their control.

“Rural Support has increased its team of three counsellors to 15 and also has 21 agri-business mentors located across Northern Ireland. The Boots on the Ground workshops are aimed at groups of more than 15 people and will provide an invaluable insight into mental health awareness and how to effectively help those in despair.

“The programme will help to bolster the work of Rural Support throughout the province, including the Plough On initiative which addresses rural isolation and provides social interaction for retired farmers and those less actively involved in the agricultural industry.”

Ms Lockhart also commended the charity’s Farming for the Generations pilot scheme, designed to raise awareness of the need for succession planning on farms.

Rural Support’s dedicated team is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 9pm on 0800 138 1678. For general enquiries contact 028 8676 0040 or log on to www.ruralsupport.org.uk