European Social Fund in action 2000-2006

Reaching out to the farming community in Belgium

Preventagri is promoted nationwide via agricultural fairs and other events

Project name Preventagri Project duration 2001-2003 ESF priority area Creating an adaptable work force Country Belgium ESF funding 592.127 Total funding 1.266.043,24 ESF funding type Objective 3 Target group Employed at risk Name of coordinating organisation Universit de Lige Contact name Muriel Bossut Address Bd du Rectorat 5 Bat B32, 4000 Lige Telephone +32 (0)4 3664664 E-mail mbossut@ulg.ac.be Website www.preventagri.be

A nationwide initiative is putting the spotlight on stress management and health and safety within the agricultural sector in Belgium. Some 3,200 people have participated in awareness-raising and training activities, giving vital support to farmers whose livelihoods are under ever increasing strain.
It is estimated that around 25% of farmers throughout the EU face financial insecurity. Technological change, economic pressure and successive food crises mean that farming is one of the professions most vulnerable to occupational stress. Agricultural workers also have one of the highest rates of accidents at work, exceeded only by workers in commercial fishing, construction and health and social care.

Research backs up targeted action

The Belgian federal government has responded by supporting Preventagri, a nationwide project that aims to prevent stress-related illness and accidents in the work place through a combination of research, training, direct intervention and awareness raising. Launched in June 2001, the project builds on the experience of over 10 years of research into the causes and the prevention of occupational stress. With Preventagri we have strengthened the links between research and action. It means our activities are more effective and our research is based on better data, says Muriel Bossut, project coordinator within the University of Lige psychology department.

Prevention better than cure

Almost 1,000 people responded to a survey to assess stress levels in the agricultural sector and its main causes. A series of training events have also been organised, particularly targeting young farmers and students in agriculture. Its important to intervene early, so that farmers are better equipped to anticipate and handle stress, says Ms. Bossut. In this way we can avoid people leaving the profession or ending up in crisis situations. In addition to research and training, the project also supports direct intervention. A free helpline Agricall is permanently available in French and Dutch, which up to now has received some 500 calls. Trained psychologists are on hand for home visits a service so far taken up by 350 farmers. The project has received a positive reaction from the farming community, unions and local grassroots organisations. A few years ago, few people talked of stress and certainly not in the agricultural community, says Ms. Bossut. Weve helped to put it on the agenda, and farmers feel more supported as a result. A second phase of the project was launched in 2003 and will last until 2006. It has become an important reference point for work on health and safety and stress risks, and several related sectors have requested similar initiatives, for example food producers and farm vets.
Written in July 2004 project reference : D9-BE4