Government invests $2.7m in programme supporting farmer wellbeing

The Government has renewed its backing for Farmstrong, committing $2.7 million to the rural wellbeing programme in the first phase of a new five-year agreement.

Associate Minister for ACC Nicola Grigg said the funding is part of a $6.8m partnership between ACC and Farmstrong aimed at reducing injury risk in the agriculture and horticulture sectors by strengthening mental and physical wellbeing.

Agriculture remains one of New Zealand’s highest-risk industries. In 2024, ACC accepted more than 17,000 new work-related agricultural injury claims, costing around $120 million in recovery support.

Grigg said the ongoing investment recognises the strong link between wellbeing and injury prevention.

“This investment will help reduce the frequency and severity of injuries in the agriculture and horticulture sectors by focusing on the link between wellbeing and injury risk,” she said.

ACC first partnered with FMG [Insurance] and the Mental Health Foundation in 2016 to deliver Farmstrong, which was designed to provide improved psychosocial support for farmers and growers.

Since its launch, the programme has delivered a return of $7.85 for every dollar invested — the equivalent of more than 9,800 injury claims avoided and $52 million in claims-cost savings.

“For agriculture to do well, we need our people to be well, so this support is a no-brainer,” Grigg said.

“Farmers are the backbone of our economy, and this is just another way our government continues to back New Zealand’s most productive sector.”