Good for the land, but what about the farmer? New research outlines how Agri-Environment Schemes impact mental health

Posted on: 05 February 2026

While AESs are a familiar part of modern farming they typically focus on environmental outcomes such as biodiversity and climate action. The new study highlights that mental health remains a largely missing dimension in how these schemes are evaluated and shaped in policy, and underlines why that must change.

“Agri-environment schemes are not just technical or environmental tools; they are human systems that farmers live with every day,” said Patrick Morrissey, Martin Naughton Assistant Professor in Trinity’s School of Engineering, who is one of the study’s authors of the article published in international journal Sustainability.

“Our findings suggest that the way schemes are structured can influence stress levels, confidence, and feelings of connection or isolation among farmers.”

Reconnecting with nature as a source of wellbeing

Many farmers involved in AESs experienced mental health benefits by reconnecting with nature. Advisors interviewed as part of the study described farmers taking pride in visible environmental improvements on their land, such as increased biodiversity or healthier landscapes, for example.

“When farmers could see positive environmental change happening on their own farms, it can give them a real sense of purpose and satisfaction,” said Charlotte Blanc, Trinity, lead author of the study. “That connection with nature was one of the clearest ways AESs supported farmer wellbeing.”

Additionally, one advisor interviewed during the research observed that environmental work helped farmers feel more valued and motivated, while others noted that spending time on habitat-focused tasks brought a sense of calm and achievement that contrasted with the usual pressures of farming.

Isolation remains a major challenge

Despite these positives, the study found that isolation and social disconnection remain persistent issues for farmers. Advisors consistently reported that many farmers work alone, feel disconnected from peers, and lack spaces to talk openly about pressures they face.

As one participant in the study put it: “Farmers feel abandoned… they carry the weight of expectations with very little emotional support.”

Discussion groups a key solution

Across the research, peer discussion groups stood out as one of the most effective ways AESs can deliver mental health benefits. Where schemes included regular group meetings, farmers were more likely to feel supported, confident, and less isolated.

“The discussion groups are more than educational—they’re therapeutic,” one Irish advisor told researchers.

Dr Morrissey said these findings carry important lessons for future scheme design:
“Discussion groups give farmers a chance to share experiences, learn from each other, and realise they’re not facing challenges alone. They’re a simple but powerful tool that can make AESs work better for farmers, not just for the environment.”

Mental health still missing from AES policy

The authors argue that mental health should be treated as a core outcome of AESs, alongside environmental and economic goals. Currently, wellbeing impacts are rarely measured or formally considered, despite growing concern around farmer stress and mental health.

“Mental health is one of the three pillars of sustainability, yet it’s largely absent from how agri-environment schemes are assessed. That’s a major gap, especially given the pressures farmers are under,” added Dr Morrissey. 

“As agriculture faces climate, economic, and policy pressures, supporting farmer mental health isn’t optional. If we want schemes to succeed, they need to work for the people farming the land as much as for the land itself.”

“For that reason we believe mental health and social indicators such as isolation, peer support, and wellbeing should be integrated into AES. That should improve both farmer wellbeing and long-term engagement with schemes.”

The published article can be read on the Sustainability journal website. 

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• Environment
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• Sustainability