By Clint Thompson
Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) Chairman David Hill is expressing support of the Farmers First Act of 2023.
He penned a letter to U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and John Boozman (R-Ark.) in support of the proposed bipartisan legislation that addresses the mental health crisis in rural America and expands access to mental health support and resources for farming communities.
“A priority for my time as chair of FFVA is one that impacts many farm families – farm stress,” Hill wrote. “Connecting our communities with access to support and resources is a critical step to help in addressing farm stress.”
The legislation would reauthorize the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) and expand on the work initiated by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) in the 2018 Farm Bill. It would increase funding available for the program to $15 million per fiscal year (2023-2028) and help grantees hire additional staff to support farmers, including health specialists that will counsel agricultural workers and producers.
“At FFVA, our hope is to coordinate with organizations and the industry at large to develop opportunities that support Florida farmers with tools and resources,” Hill wrote. “That’s why we applaud your leadership on this issue. Connecting our communities with access to support and resources is a critical step to help in addressing farm stress.”
Source: Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association
