SOS Détresse to Provide Daily Psychological Support for Luxembourg Agriculture Sector

On Monday 11 May 2026, Luxembourg's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture, the Chamber of Agriculture, the Maschinen- und Betriebshilfsring Lëtzebuerg (MBR) and SOS Détresse Luxembourg presented a new step in strengthening psychosocial support for farmers, winegrowers and market gardeners.

Established in 2015 by the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Chamber of Agriculture and the MBR, the "Een oppent Ouer fir de Bauer, Wënzer a Gäertner" ("An open ear for farmers, winegrowers and gardeners) service was designed to offer confidential support to people in the agricultural sector facing professional, family or personal difficulties. While this pioneering initiative was appreciated within the sector, the service had recently lost visibility and accessibility, prompting the need to adapt the system to better meet current needs in the field, according to the authorities.

At Monday's press conference, Luxembourg's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture, Martine Hansen, emphasised that the need for such a support service had been repeatedly expressed by the agricultural sector itself. She reiterated that farming, viticulture and market gardening are demanding professions, both physically and psychologically, in a context marked by economic, administrative, climatic and societal challenges.

Several European studies also show that farmers are more exposed to the risks of isolation, psychological distress and suicide than other professional categories, with a suicide risk that can be up to 30% higher than in the general population. In Luxembourg, where nearly 90% of farms are family businesses, the boundary between private and professional life is often very thin, the authorities noted.

To improve the accessibility and availability of support, the long-standing helpline number 8002 7171 will now be redirected to SOS Détresse Luxembourg, an experienced organisation specialising in listening and psychosocial support. Those concerned can also contact SOS Détresse directly via tel. 45 45 45.

Through this collaboration, farmers, winegrowers and market gardeners will now benefit from an anonymous and confidential service available seven days a week, with a daily staffed telephone helpline. SOS Détresse currently has a network of 83 volunteers supported by a specialised professional team. In 2025, the organisation recorded more than 4,200 phone calls, a significant increase compared to the previous year.

Christian Hahn, President of the Chamber of Agriculture, stressed the importance of having an easily accessible helpline capable of supporting farmers in sometimes very difficult situations. He also noted that the Chamber of Agriculture has developed an information document for SOS Détresse volunteers to raise awareness of the specific realities of farming and the existing support structures. Specific training has also been organised for SOS Détresse volunteers.

Laurent Frantz, President of the MBR, underscored the historical importance of the "Een oppent Ouer" helpline and welcomed its evolution into a service now available every day. "A person in distress cannot wait until Monday afternoon to find someone to listen," he said.

Nadja Bretz, Director of SOS Détresse Luxembourg, presented how the service operates, based on anonymity, confidentiality and non-judgmental listening. She reiterated that asking for help remains an act of courage and that it is essential to continue breaking down taboos surrounding mental health.

With this strengthened partnership, the various stakeholders said they hoped to send a clear message to the agricultural sector: no one should have to face difficulties alone.