Farmers First Act of 2025
Summary
The Farmers First Act of 2025 aims to reauthorize and amend the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN), initially established by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. The bill seeks to enhance mental health support for farmers and ranchers by increasing funding and expanding access to behavioral health services. It specifically amends Section 7522 of the 2008 Act to include crisis lines and increase funding from $10 million per year to $15 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
Furthermore, the Act facilitates referrals to certified community behavioral health clinics, health centers, rural health clinics, Federally qualified health centers, and critical access hospitals. This is intended to ensure comprehensive mental health and substance use treatments and support are available to agricultural communities.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 15, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Agriculture.
Expected Effects
The Farmers First Act of 2025, if enacted, will likely increase the availability of mental health resources for farmers and ranchers. This will be achieved through increased funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network and by establishing referral relationships with various healthcare providers.
The increased funding could lead to the development and expansion of mental health programs tailored to the unique stressors faced by agricultural communities. The establishment of referral relationships aims to streamline access to care and ensure individuals receive appropriate and timely support.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to mental health services for farmers and ranchers, addressing a critical need in these communities.
- Enhanced support through the establishment of crisis lines, providing immediate assistance during times of acute stress.
- Expanded network of referral partners, including certified community behavioral health clinics and rural health clinics, ensuring comprehensive care.
- Increased funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, enabling more robust and sustainable programs.
- Potential for reduced stigma associated with seeking mental health support within the agricultural sector.
Potential Disadvantages
- The increased funding may strain the federal budget, requiring reallocation of resources from other sectors.
- The effectiveness of the referral system depends on the capacity and availability of the listed healthcare providers, which may vary across different regions.
- Potential for administrative overhead associated with establishing and maintaining referral relationships.
- The Act does not address the root causes of stress in the agricultural sector, such as economic instability and climate change.
- There may be challenges in reaching all members of the agricultural community, particularly those in remote or underserved areas.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Farmers First Act of 2025 appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which empowers Congress to provide for the well-being of the nation. By addressing the mental health needs of farmers and ranchers, the Act can be argued to promote the general welfare of a vital sector of the American economy.
Furthermore, the Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. It operates within the scope of Congress's legislative powers and does not discriminate against any particular group or infringe upon individual liberties.
However, the Act's reliance on federal funding raises questions about the balance of power between the federal government and the states, as well as the potential for unfunded mandates.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).