# Agricultural Access to Addiction and Mental Health Care Act

Farmers and ranchers face unique stresses that can seriously harm their mental health—things like devastating droughts, unpredictable weather that destroys crops, wild swings in commodity prices, and misleading information that damages their markets. This bill recognizes that these pressures often lead to addiction and mental health crises, yet many rural farmers struggle to find appropriate care. The bill directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study exactly how big this problem is and what solutions might work.

The study will examine what mental health and addiction services are actually available in rural farming communities, and what barriers prevent farmers from accessing them. These barriers might include cost, distance to providers, or the simple fact that most therapists and counselors don't understand agricultural life and its specific pressures. The research will also look at successful programs already running in some states and communities—things like training mental health professionals who specialize in farm issues, using telehealth to reach remote areas, peer support programs, and educational efforts to reduce the stigma around seeking help.

The bill also asks the Department of Agriculture to investigate whether it's feasible to fund six therapy sessions for farmers and ranchers through an existing program called the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. This would provide direct access to counseling for people dealing with crisis situations. The Department has six months to complete this study and report back to Congress with findings and recommendations. The bill allocates up to $1 million per year through 2027 to conduct this research, which is relatively modest funding aimed at understanding the scope of the problem and identifying practical solutions that could help save lives in farming communities.

Agricultural Access to Addiction and Mental Health Care Act

Neguse, Joe

Agricultural Access to Addiction and Mental Health Care Act This bill directs the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to study the accessibility of addiction and mental health care providers and services for farmers and ranchers impacted by severe and persistent drought, extreme weather events, instability in the commodities market, and misinformation targeting consumers. For example, the study must examine (1) best practices and successful programs at the state and local level that can be replicated at the federal level to address addiction and mental health care needs in agricultural communities, and (2) recommendations for improving the accessibility of care. In conducting the study, NIFA must collaborate and consult with relevant federal agencies, state departments of agriculture, and mental health and agricultural organizations.