New federal legislation would make it easier for farmers to access mental health care services.
The Farmers First Act introduced by Wisconsin Democrat Tammy Baldwin and Iowa Republican Joni Ernst would increase support for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN), a program the two senators successfully included in the 2018 Farm Bill.
The Farmers First Act would increase funding for the FRSAN program, authorizing $15 million per year for the program for the next five years, up from $10 million and allowing grantees to hire additional staff to support farmers, including behavioral health specialists to provide counseling to agricultural workers. It would also address the unique needs of different farming populations, including Veteran farmers and farmers of color.
The Farmers First Act of 2025 is co-sponsored in the Senate by Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Susan Collins (R-ME). The bill was also introduced in the U.S. House by Representatives Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04) and Angie Craig (D-MN-02).
The Farmers First Act is endorsed by ag organizations including the National Farmers Union, National Rural Health Association, National Milk Producers Federation, Agriculture Retailers Association, FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative, Organic Trade Association, Farm Credit Council, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, Organic Farmers Association, National Pork Producers Council, American Soybean Association, Midwest Dairy Coalition, Farm Aid, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Corn Growers Association, Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance, Sustainable Food Policy Alliance, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, National Organic Coalition, Farmer Veteran Coalition, and American Farm Bureau Federation.
