Farmers and ranchers dealing with drought, extreme weather, volatile commodity prices, and consumer misinformation face serious mental health challenges — but often have limited access to help, especially in rural areas. This bill directs the USDA to study the barriers farmers face in getting addiction and mental health care, identify successful state and local programs that could be expanded nationally, and explore whether the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network could fund six reimbursable therapy sessions. The study must be completed within 180 days, with $1 million per year authorized through 2029.
Congressional Summary
Agricultural Access to Addiction and Mental Health Care ActThis 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.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2026-03-27
- Date Added
- 2026-04-06