A SURVEY wants to find out how 'increasingly complex challenges' within the farming sector are impacting people’s physical and mental wellbeing, as well as the health of farming businesses.

The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) has launched The Big Farming Survey, the largest ever survey of its kind in England and Wales, with a target of achieving 26,000 responses from farming people.

“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.

“It is vital that the voices of farming people are heard.

"It only takes 15 minutes to complete the questionnaire and everyone who participates will be making an important contribution.

"Setting the ambitious goal of 26,000 responses will ensure we can 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, spouses and adult-aged children.

The Big Farming Survey is a key strand of RABI’s five-year strategy that will enable the charity to reach a far wider audience.

“There is growing awareness that there are some fundamental wellbeing issues in farming that need to be better understood and addressed," added Ms Chivers.

The survey runs until 31 March 2021 and can be completed online at https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/OcpwCP7wws8D2x5s0m6zw. Alternatively, printed copies in English and Welsh can be requested by emailing FarmSurvey@exeter.ac.uk.