This House resolution supports designating May 29, 2026 as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day." The text cites that the 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 3,370,000 producers (less than 2 percent of the U.S. population) and the Economic Policy Institute estimates about 1,600,000 farmworkers. It notes higher suicide rates reported by the National Rural Health Association (farmers 3.5 times higher than the general population) and by a Mortality-Linked National Health Interview Survey (farmworkers 1.4 times higher than other occupations). The resolution recognizes May as National Mental Health Awareness Month, lists challenges agricultural workers face (weather unpredictability, labor intensity and shortages, farm succession, and fluctuating commodity and market prices), highlights the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network as a resource, and encourages observing the day to promote mental well-being and reduce stigma.
The resolution asks people and groups to observe May 29, 2026 as a day to raise awareness about mental health in agriculture. It points to existing resources through the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network and calls attention to the unique stresses agricultural producers and workers face. The text does not specify new programs or funding; it is an encouragement to recognize and discuss mental-health issues in the agricultural workforce.
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Supporters want a named day to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental illness in farming and agricultural work. They emphasize the high suicide rates cited in the resolution, the importance of agricultural producers and workers, the unique challenges the sector faces, and the value of directing people to the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network and other stress-assistance programs.
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