By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

A new bill introduced in Congress aims to expand and improve behavioral health services in rural communities and connect individuals in crisis with trained medical professionals for personalized care.

The Farmers First Act, authored by U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA),  would reauthorize the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). It would increase program funding to $15 million annually over the next five years and allow FRSAN regional centers to establish referral connections with certified community behavioral health clinics, critical access hospitals and rural health centers.

“Our farmers and producers work long hours and make unseen sacrifices to feed and fuel our country and the world. Those sacrifices can take a toll on our farm producers, especially when commodity prices tumble or severe weather destroys crops,” Feenstra said. “It’s why I’m glad to lead legislation to fully fund the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, providing farmers with real support in times of crisis. I will always stand with our producers and ensure that they have access to the high-quality healthcare they deserve.”

Suicide rates among farmers and ranchers are two to five times higher than the national average. Natural disasters, extreme weather, financial instability, volatile markets, labor shortages and trade disruptions are just a few factors that add to increasing pressure in an already demanding profession. Farmers and ranchers are often in isolated and rural areas with limited access to support services.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) introduced the FRSAN program to connect farmers, ranchers and others working in agriculture to stress assistance programs.

Reauthorized in the 2018 Farm Bill, FRSAN works to improve behavioral health awareness, education and support for farmers, their families and rural communities.

In fiscal year 2020, NIFA awarded $28.7 million to four regional partners to expand access to affordable, high-quality mental health resources in agricultural communities.

The bill is supported by agricultural groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and Texas Farm Bureau.

“From trade uncertainty to labor shortages and natural disasters, many stressors are weighing heavily on the minds of farmers and ranchers. Resources supported through the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network are more critical now than at any time in recent memory,” said Sam Kieffer, AFBF vice president of Public Policy. “Farm Bureau appreciates Representatives Craig and Feenstra, as well as Senators Baldwin and Ernst, for their tireless commitment to supporting farmer and rancher mental health across the country.”