Take 15 minutes to complete the Big Farming Survey

The Big Farming Survey aims to identify how increasingly complex challenges within the sector are impacting people’s physical and mental wellbeing, as well as the health of farming businesses.

“RABI is acutely aware of the mounting pressures in the sector,” says Chief Executive, Alicia Chivers. “To serve our community effectively, we require a greater understanding of how these factors affect daily life which is why we’ve launched the Big Farming Survey.

“We’re encouraging all farming people to have their voices heard by taking 15 minutes to complete the questionnaire and help us to gather the broadest possible set of data. By setting such an ambitious goal we aim to build the most comprehensive picture of life in agriculture today. The research will enable us to formulate more effective tools and support strategies to enhance farmer wellbeing now and into the future.”

Delivered in partnership with the Centre for Rural Research based at the University of Exeter and supported by key stakeholders and partners across the agricultural industry, the Big Farming Survey is open to all farmers, farm workers, their spouses and adult-aged children.

The Big Farming Survey is a key strand of RABI’s ambitious 5-year strategy that will enable the charity to reach a far wider audience. It’s a further step towards achieving their vision that no farmer should ever face adversity alone.

“There is growing awareness that there are some fundamental wellbeing issues in farming that need to be addressed. Farming people are raised to be ‘robust’ and ‘resilient’, yet these expectations simply aren’t realistic. By initiating frank and honest conversations, I believe we can begin to ‘normalise’ our vulnerabilities. We are working with a range of partners so that we can develop effective, preventative services that fulfil the needs of farming people and make a valuable difference.”

The survey runs until 31 March 2021 and can be completed online at rabi.org.uk/BigFarmingSurvey. Alternatively, printed copies in English and Welsh can be requested by emailing farmsurvey@exeter.ac.uk