Rep. Craig Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Connect Farmers with Mental Health Resources

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig introduced bipartisan legislation to expand access to mental health resources for Minnesota’s rural communities and connect farmers and producers with medical professionals and mental health resources.

Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) is co-leading the legislation.

Rep. Craig’s bipartisan Farmers First Act would reauthorize the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) and ensure rural communities have access to certified community behavioral health clinics, critical access hospitals and rural health centers.

“Feeding and fueling the world is hard work that comes with unique challenges for farmers and producers,” said Rep. Craig. “Yet, too often, rural communities are overlooked when it comes to providing mental health resources and tools. That’s why I'm working across the aisle to connect farmers, farm workers and rural Minnesotans with the mental health resources and stress management tools they need to succeed.”

As the top Democrat on the House Committee on Agriculture, Rep. Craig has been a staunch advocate for Minnesota’s farmers and producers and has consistently fought for stronger rural health care systems that support America’s producers.

The Farmers First Act is supported by leading national agriculture and health groups including: the National Farmers Union, the National Rural Health Association, the American Psychological Association, the National Rural Health Association, the National Corn Growers Association, the American Farm Bureau Federation and more.

Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

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