ICSA will launch the association’s Life Focus initiative at the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska Co Laois next week, September 19-21.

In the spirit of Farmers Supporting Farmers, a group of ICSA farmers has come together to form ICSA Life Focus. Chair of the group ICSA’s Mona O’ Donoghue Concannon said that mental health and stress related issues are widespread in farming and that ICSA wants to help families experiencing problems.  

ICSA’s Life Focus group can be called upon to listen from a perspective of lived experience on issues including Farm Succession/Failed Succession; Marriage Breakdown; Parent Alienation, Family Disputes; Mental Health; Rural Isolation; Farm Finances; Banking Issues, and more. Together they have experienced the full raft of problems and issues that can arise over the course of a farming life.

“A lot of farmers are struggling massively with a whole range of issues that are having a big impact on their mental health and well-being. Too many farmers are finding it too difficult to cope, so as a group we want to get the message out to farmers that difficult life situations do not have to be faced alone, and if you need help, to reach out.”

To mark the launch ICSA will be hosting daily panel discussions at the ICSA stand which is located at Block 3, Row 19, Stand 317.

Tuesday 19 September

Land and Family Law; Good, Bad & Unspoken @ 12.30pm with panellists:

• Aisling Meehan: Agricultural Solicitor
• Mick Larkin: Land Mobility Service
• Sgt Edel Burke: An Garda Síochána Community Policing

Wednesday 20 September

The Agri-Politics of Mental Health @ 11am with panellists:

• Claire Kerrane TD: Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture
• Senator Paul Daly: Fianna Fáil Seanad Spokesperson for Agriculture
• Cllr. Frank Roche: Cork County Council
• Finola Colgan: Mental Health Ireland

Thursday 21 September

Building Farmer Health & Well-being @ 11am panellists:

• Senator Tim Lombard: Fine Gael Spokesperson on Agriculture
• Sean Glynn: Kinvara Alive
• Sandra Malone: DCU FarMHealth

Members of the Life Focus group will also be on hand throughout the three days for anyone looking to connect.