The U.S. Senate on May 19 unanimously approved a bipartisan resolution sponsored by U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) to raise awareness around mental health in the agricultural industry and workforce and to continue to reduce stigma associated with mental illness.
“Daily uncertainties and extreme stress lead to higher levels of anxiety and depression among Nebraska’s agricultural producers and workforce,” Sen. Fischer said. “Our resolution recognizes these unique challenges and supports the farmers, ranchers, and workers who perform the essential work of producing high-quality food, fuel, and fiber.”
Senate Resolution (S.Res.) 143, which Sen. Fischer introduced on March 26, would designate May 29 as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day. The legislation has 13 original cosponsors, including U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet (D-CO), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and John Hoeven (R-ND).
“From severe drought to increased costs, unprecedented challenges are taking a toll on the mental health of Colorado’s farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers,” said Sen. Bennet, the lead original cosponsor of S.Res. 143. “I’m grateful to stand with Sen. Fischer and my Senate colleagues to raise awareness about our country’s mental health crisis and work together to expand access to care for communities across the country.”
Among the many supporters of the resolution are the Agricultural Retailers Association, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the American Soybean Association, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the National Rural Health Association, and several Nebraska stakeholders, including the Nebraska Agri-Business Association, Nebraska Cattlemen, the Nebraska Cooperative Council, and the Nebraska Farm Bureau, among others.
The resolution now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.