MEDIA RELEASE
AgSafe’s “Stronger Together” Receives National Acclaim
Langley, BC / November 20, 2024 – AgSafe is proud to announce that its mini-documentary, “Stronger Together,” has received national recognition for excellence in filmmaking. Produced by videographer Seth Steward, the film has been honoured with the Canadian Farm Writers Federation’s Jack McPherson Silver Award for video, sponsored by Rural Roots Canada.
Released on AgSafe’s YouTube channel in January 2023, “Stronger Together” highlights the resilience of Sumas prairie farmers who faced devastating flooding in November 2021. Seth Steward joins an esteemed group of awardees, including gold winner Geoff Morrison for “The Pigeon Ponzi” on CBC Gem, and bronze winner Amber Bell for “MEAT – Land, People and Passion: A Regenerative Journey” on YouTube. The CFWF awards celebrate the exceptional talent and dedication of agricultural journalists, broadcasters, photographers, and videographers across Canada.
“Stronger Together” is a component of AgSafe’s Mental Wellness in Agriculture initiative, which encourages farmers to seek help and provides mental wellness resources for the agricultural community. The film's messages remain timeless as we mark the third anniversary of the devastating floods. Extreme weather, disease, and other challenges continue to exacerbate the mental health crisis in B.C.’s agriculture industry. In January 2024, the Okanagan Valley experienced a catastrophic cold event that severely impacted vineyards and orchards.
AgSafe urges those in B.C.’s agriculture industry facing mental wellness challenges to seek help. Confidential resources are available on the organization’s website at agsafebc.ca/mental-wellness
Quotes:
“Farming has always been challenging, but extreme weather events add to the crisis. The farmers featured in ‘Stronger Together’ showed resilience by coming together and talking. We hope this video continues to inspire more farmers to reach out.”
“It doesn’t matter what type of farm you have or where you live; being able to turn towards each other in community helps us shoulder the burden of tough times.”
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About AgSafe:
AgSafe is the non-profit health and safety association for agricultural producers in British Columbia, providing site-specific consultation and on-site safety education, as well as online workplace safety resources and materials. AgSafe is also the COR Certifying Partner for B.C.’s agricultural and associated industries and offers a Certificate of Recognition (COR) program for large and small employers.
For more information about AgSafe services or agriculture-related workplace health and safety call 1-877-533-1789 or visit AgSafeBC.ca.