Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture: A Growing Concern
As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it’s essential to acknowledge the growing mental health concerns in our agricultural industry and workforce.
Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture: A Growing Concern
In light of this public health crisis, it’s crucial to create awareness around mental health in the agricultural industry and reduce stigma associated with mental illness.
- Less than 2% of the US population (3,370,000 producers) provide high-quality food, fuel, and fiber to the United States and abroad.
- There are approximately 1,600,000 farmworkers in the United States.
- The rate of suicide among farmers is 3.5 times higher than among the general population.
- The rate of suicide among farmworkers is 1.4 times higher than rates across all other occupations.
Challenges in Agriculture: A Call to Action
Agricultural producers and workers face unique challenges, including weather unpredictability, labor intensity, and fluctuating commodity and market prices.
- Weather unpredictability
- Labor intensity
- Fluctuating commodity and market prices
- Farm succession
The Importance of Resources
The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network of the Department of Agriculture provides resources to connect agricultural producers and workers with stress assistance programs.
A Call to Action: Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day
Let’s come together to promote mental well-being and awareness for current and future agricultural producers and workers.
- Designate May 29, 2025, as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day
- Recognize the important role of individuals in agriculture
- Seek to create awareness for the unique challenges faced by agricultural producers and workers
- Highlight resources available through the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network
- Encourage all individuals to observe Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day as an opportunity to promote mental well-being and awareness
This resolution was introduced on March 26, 2025, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. For more information, visit this bill on GovInfo.
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