Press Releases

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) has signed on as an original cosponsor of the Stemming the Tide of Rural Economic Stress and Suicide (STRESS) Act. Introduced by Representatives Emmer (R-MN) and O’Halleran (D-AZ), the bill would reauthorize the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, devoting resources to assist farmers coping with mental health issues and thoughts of suicide. 

“It’s absolutely heartbreaking to hear stories about dairy farmers who have taken their own lives because of financial stress during this tough time for the industry. At the same time, the opioid epidemic is ravaging farm communities across the country,” Pingree said. “Farmers are resilient people; when faced with problems on the farm, they are used to buckling down and work harding to get through it. But, with many issues out of their control, there is only so much they can handle by themselves.  It’s essential that we devote resources to things like counseling and education so farmers know they don’t have to go it alone and that there are places where they can turn during hard times.” 

The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network was initially authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill but was never funded.  The program would provide funds to state departments of agriculture and cooperative extensions for farmer helplines, websites, and trainings for farm advocates and support organizations. 

This winter, the Agri-Mark dairy cooperative—which serves farmers in New England—sent a letter to its members offering mental health resources and a number for a suicide hotline. Amid several years of low milk prices, there have been several cases of dairy farmer suicides. 

Pingree is a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, which oversees discretionary funding for the USDA. To read about her priorities for the upcoming reauthorization of the Farm Bill, go to www.pingree.house.gov/food.