At the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture, we recognize that mental health support isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why we’ve spent years testing different training programs to find the best fit for Georgia’s farmers—programs that respect their time, meet them where they are, and provide real solutions.
Recently, our Executive Director, Lily Baucom and Fundraising & Events Assistant, Whitney Sangster—participated in COMET (Changing Our Mental and Emotional Trajectory) training alongside other founding organizations of the Georgia Agricultural Wellness Alliance. This hands-on training focuses on having real conversations with those who may be struggling—helping people engage early before a situation escalates into crisis.
Through our HARVEST Program, we are building a mental health support system tailored to the unique realities of farming. Over the years, we have participated in and evaluated multiple training programs, each offering valuable insights:
Mental Health First Aid – A broad mental health awareness course that teaches people how to recognize early signs of anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders.
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) – A suicide prevention training focused on identifying warning signs, directly asking about suicidal thoughts, and referring someone to help.
Community Resiliency Model (CRM) – A program that helps people manage chronic stress and trauma through self-regulation techniques, making it a valuable tool for those under constant pressure.
COMET Training – A conversation-based model that fits well with the way farmers connect—practical, direct, and relationship-driven.
Each of these programs has contributed to our understanding of what works best for Georgia’s farming community. As we move forward, we are taking the most effective aspects from each training to develop a statewide approach that truly serves our people. This includes creating new training opportunities and a resource guide to help communities better reach and support farmers.
Ongoing Support for Georgia’s Farmers
After Hurricane Helene, many of Georgia’s farmers are still in the recovery process, and long-term support is critical. Through our Weathered But Strong Georgia Hurricane Fund, we are not only providing financial relief but also ensuring that farmers have access to the mental health resources they need to navigate these challenges.
🔗 Donate today to help us continue this essential work.
We know our farmers. We know what works. And we’re committed to getting it right.
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