Farmers First Act of 2025
Farmers First Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Farmers First Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Farmers First Act would extend and expand a Department of Agriculture program called the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) through 2030. This program provides grants to states, tribes, and nonprofits to offer mental health and counseling services specifically for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers.
The bill would allow these grants to fund crisis helplines and websites, and would enable organizations receiving grants to partner with various healthcare providers to connect farmers with additional mental health resources. **Who It Affects:** The bill directly impacts farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers who may be experiencing stress or mental health challenges. It also affects state governments, Native American tribes, nonprofits that provide agricultural support services, and healthcare providers like community mental health clinics and rural hospitals. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Farmers First Act of 2025This bill extends through FY2030 and revises the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). This Department of Agriculture program provides competitive grants to states, Indian tribes, and qualified nonprofit organizations to provide stress assistance programs (i.e., professional agricultural behavioral health counseling, helplines, and resources) to individuals engaged in farming, ranching, and agriculture-related occupations.The bill specifies that the grant funding for farm telephone helplines and websites may also be used for crisis lines.Further, FRSAN grant recipients may establish referral relationships with providers, including Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, health centers, rural health clinics, and critical access hospitals.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.