WASHINGTON – National Farmers Union (NFU) today endorsed the Farmers First Act, a bipartisan legislation that reauthorizes and increases funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN).
“Farming can be incredibly stressful, and too many rural communities still don’t have the mental health support they need,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “The Farmers First Act will help connect our farmers and ranchers with essential resources to address farm stress and improve well-being.”
FRSAN supports those in farming, ranching and other agriculture-adjacent jobs by connecting them to assistance programs that help manage stress and mental health. According to recent data, the farmer suicide rate is more than double the national average. FRSAN is an essential tool for rural and farming communities to receive crucial mental healthcare, often in areas with little to no access.
“We thank Senators Baldwin and Ernst and Representatives Craig and Feenstra for leading the charge on this important topic and urge Congress to support this legislation,” added Larew.
