NFU Champions Farmers First Act to Increase Resources to Address Farm Stress

WASHINGTON - National Farmers Union (NFU) is proud to endorse the Farmers First Act of 2023, which aligns with our commitment to address the mental health crisis in farm and rural communities.

The bipartisan bill, introduced today by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA), would reauthorize the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) and increase program funding levels. NFU is a strong supporter of FRSAN, a one-of-a-kind program that connects farmers and their families to stress assistance resources.

"Farming is a highly stressful occupation and rural areas suffer from significant mental health professional shortages," NFU President Rob Larew said."The Farmers First Act will help connect our communities with essential support and services to address farm stress and improve wellbeing. We thank Senators Baldwin and Ernst for their leadership on this issue and we urge Congress to reauthorize FRSAN with increased funding in the next farm bill."

The bill is cosponsored by Senators Jon Tester (D-MT); Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; John Boozman (R-AR), Ranking Member; Tina Smith (D-MN); Jerry Moran (R-KS); Susan Collins (R-ME); and Michael Bennet (D-CO).