UNPRECEDENTED change and upheaval brought about by decoupling and the subsequent advent of the Single Farm Payment, which can only be secured if those working the land adhere to stringent new rules, welfare and environmental legislation, has left many farmers, especially the older generation, confused and uncertain regarding their future.
Many are struggling to adapt and quite a few have already opted out, citing the burden of red tape and bureaucracy and gold-plating of legislation as the main reasons for their decision to quit while they can.
For those that have decided to stick the patch and who may need a sympathetic ear or pointed in the right direction, a restructured and revamped Rural Support will be on hand 24/7 to listen and offer advice where appropriate.
Rural Support, which was formed in the aftermath of the Foot and Mouth crisis in 2001 – its Helpline taking 1,200 calls in its first week – is currently going through a major shake-up, headed by recently-appointed development director, Blanaid McKinney, who is the main driver behind a robust PR campaign.
Explaining the reasons for restructuring, Blanaid insisted that it was imperative that farmers and their families had somewhere to turn in their hour of need.
"I suppose its fair to say that Rural Support is a cross between the Samaritans and Citizens Advice," said the Lisnaskea native. "The confidential helpline is our primary service but we also offer a sign-posting service whereby we can point farmers in the right direction.
"Admittedly our helpline has been quieter than usual over the past year but I expect that to change big time as we raise the profile of Rural Support over the coming months.
"We are planning to have a visible presence at markets, shows, conferences and seminars over the coming months as well as running our health check service for farmers at local marts and other farming events.
"Once we raise our profile I am convinced that the calls will come flooding in. Traditionally there has been a macho or conservative attitude amongst the farming community but I believe that is changing."
Rural Support, sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department of Health and Social Services, is currently going through huge changes in a bid to offer a more comprehensive service to the agricultural community.
As development director, Blanaid is currently putting in place the strategies to overhaul the organisation.
Outreach worker Lily Weir, based at the Loughry Campus in Cooktsown, will become the face of Rural Support while a new administrator/co-ordinator will be assigned specifically to develop the Helpline services.
The Helpline is serviced by 20 volunteers, half of which man the lines at any given time. Rural Support has also struck a deal with BT that in the event of an emergency - a major disease outbreak - that 20 lines can become available at the one time.
"That is a major step forward," insisted Blanaid. "History shows that every five to seven years there is a major disease outbreak and we want to be in a position to offer as much support as possible.
"The Foot and Mouth crisis 0f 2001, the reason for the establishment of Rural Support, demonstrates the valuable service we offer. We received a staggering 1200 calls in one week. Any time there is a threat of disease, mostly recently the heightened speculation regarding avian flu, then our lines inevitably take off.
"We are also conducting a skills audit, which is hoped will further improve our service. Basically, if the person taking the call doesn't possess the ability to offer the right technical expertise, then our "bounce" system will allow our volunteer to direct the caller to someone who can be of assistance.
"Our organisation is developing but we are extremely aware that we don't spread ourselves too thinly and diminish the service that Rural Support was originally set-up to provide."
In recent times Rural Support has carried out a number of research projects that various health trusts will consult to inform government policy for future implementation.
Interviews and workshops were held as the organisation researched projects entitled 'Rural Life in Isolation' and 'What it's like to be Young', which revealed some interesting findings according to Blanaid.
"The latter provoked interesting and lively discussion around issues regarding transport and boredom in rural communities but when we investigated a little deeper things like self-harm, depression and even suicide began to emerge," added the development director.
"We consider this valuable research and intent to expand this side of things in conjunction with the various health trusts.
"That's more in the future though. In the meantime we are focusing on lifting our profile. The farming industry is going through so much change and its happening so fast. The amount of bureaucracy is unbelievable. I want to stress that we are an independent and confidential service and we are available to offer advice and support at all times."
Farmers can contact the confidential Helpline directly on 0845 606 7 607, or alternatively contact Lily Weir at their Loughry Campus headquarters on 028 8676 0040.
