U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) on July 15 unveiled bipartisan legislation that would fully fund the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) to provide America’s farmers with mental health support in times of crisis.
“Agriculture is the economic engine of Iowa, and 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,” Rep. Feenstra said. “I will always stand with our producers and ensure that they have access to the high-quality health care they deserve.”
The congressman sponsored the Farmers First Act, H.R. 4400, alongside four original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Zach Nunn (R-IA), Mike Bost (R-IL), and Angie Craig (D-MN).
H.R. 4400 would reauthorize the FRSAN, increase funding to a total of $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 to provide specialized care.
Endorsements for the measure have come in from the National Milk Producers Federation, the National Pork Producers Council, the National Corn Growers Association, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the American Soybean Association, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, the Agricultural Retailers Association, the Farmer Veteran Coalition, the National Rural Health Association, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, the Midwest Dairy Coalition, the Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance, American Psychological Association Services Inc., the National Association of Wheat Growers, the National Cooperative Business Association, the Organic Trade Association, the Farm Credit Council, Farm Aid, Young Farmers, and the National Farmers Union.