Agricultural Access to Addiction and Mental Health Care Act

Study on farmer mental health access

This bill would require the Secretary of Agriculture, through NIFA, to study access to addiction and mental health care for farmers, ranchers, agricultural workers, and their families affected by drought, extreme weather, market instability, misinformation, and related factors. The study would examine availability of trained providers in rural areas and barriers such as financial, geographic, and cultural obstacles. It would identify state and local best practices to replicate nationally, including hiring and training providers with agricultural expertise, cultural competency training, paraprofessional certificate programs, youth curricula, telehealth expansion, outreach to reduce stigma, coordination with agricultural groups, and research and evaluation. The study would assess the feasibility of funding six reimbursable therapy sessions through the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. The Secretary would consult federal agencies, State departments of agriculture, mental health organizations, agricultural organizations, and other stakeholders. A report of findings would be due to the House and Senate agriculture committees not later than 180 days after enactment. The bill would authorize $1,000,000 to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029.