Congress put $2 million into a pilot program to address farmer stress and suicide this year, and a coalition of 43 rural and farm groups called today for full funding of the Farmers and Ranchers Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). In a letter to senators and representatives overseeing the USDA budget, the groups proposed $10 million for fiscal 2020, which opens Oct. 1.
“The current prolonged farm economy downturn is causing even greater stress for farmers and ranchers,” said the letter. “Financial risk, volatile markets, unpredictable weather and heavy workloads can all place a significant strain on farmers’, ranchers’ and farm workers’ mental and emotional well being. This is exacerbated by the fact that 60 percent of rural residents live in areas that suffer from mental-health professional shortages.”
The FRSAN gives grants to state agencies and local groups to provide assistance to farmers through approaches such as help lines, websites, training programs, outreach services and home visits. Signing the letter were national farm groups, rural development organizations and groups involved in rural health.