Published September 2026
Farmstrong Scotland calls for industry backing to reach more farmers and crofters following independent review
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Farmstrong Scotland is calling on the agricultural industry to help build on the charity’s growing impact after an independent evaluation found that four in five farmers and crofters who engaged with the programme said it had made a difference to their health and wellbeing.
Conducted independently by Scotinform, the two-year evaluation found that 80% of participants who had engaged with Farmstrong reported a positive impact, while 83% said they would recommend the programme to another farmer or crofter.
The findings also provide some of the strongest evidence to date that practical, preventative wellbeing can help people working in agriculture build resilience, strengthen social connections and develop habits that support long term wellbeing.
Farmers and crofters who had engaged with Farmstrong were more likely to report positive changes in behaviours associated with wellbeing, including spending more time with family and friends, being more active, taking time away from the farm or croft, and taking more care of their physical health. Participants also reported feeling more able to cope with the pressures of farming.
It also underlines the scale of the challenge, with wellbeing among farmers and crofters remaining below the Scottish average and one in three respondents reporting low wellbeing – reinforcing the need for continued investment in preventative support.
The feedback on specific campaigns and resources was also strong with those who accessed the ‘How’s it Going?’ interactive tool, and ‘Snoozing Success’ information reporting a 99% positive impact.
Harriet Donald from Loch Lomond went to her GP after realising the symptoms that had been getting her down were all linked. “Farmstrong had just shared its menopause resources and the moment I clicked on the leaflet showing the different symptoms around the outline of a body, I remember thinking, “I tick a lot of those!”. Farmstrong’s resource didn't give me a diagnosis, but it helped me recognise myself in those symptoms and planted the seed that eventually prompted me to seek help. I'm incredibly grateful that it did.”
John Scott, Chair at Farmstrong Scotland said: “Farmstrong was started because we knew there was a place for a preventative approach to wellbeing alongside the excellent crisis support already available. What this independent evidence shows is that this approach works.
“The report also tells us there is much more to do. We want to reach more farmers and crofters, develop more practical resources and create more opportunities for people to learn from and connect with their peers.
"The demand is there. The evidence is there. The opportunity is there. What we need now is the investment to ensure Farmstrong can continue to grow and reach more people.
“We are asking businesses and organisations who share our ambition for a healthy, resilient future for Scottish agriculture to back Farmstrong and help us turn this evidence into even greater impact.”
Farmstrong commissioned independent research firm Scotinform to conduct the two-year monitoring and evaluation programme, measuring awareness, engagement, and impact as the charity developed. The research included two nationwide surveys gathering more than 1,000 responses, in-depth focus groups with farmers and crofters, and interviews with 19 organisations across agriculture, government, funding, and rural support.
The charity is now calling on individuals, businesses, and organisations across the sector to get involved in the next phase, helping it reach more farmers and crofters and continue in its development and delivery of resources and events that will help the industry thrive.
