A large coalition of farm groups is asking Congress to fully fund the Farmers and Ranch Assistance Network (FRSAN) for fiscal year 2020.

In a letter to the House and Senate appropriation allocators, the coalition of the American Farmers Bureau and the National Farmers Union said: “The 2018 Farming Act has reapproved the FRSAN, which provides grants for extension services, government departments of agriculture, and non-profit and other organizations providing stress relief programs to farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers. ”

Farmers argue that “eligible programs include helplines and farm websites, training programs and seminars, outreach services and home delivery assistance. The $ 2 million allocated for the pilot program in the appropriation bill for fiscal year 2019 will ensure the full implementation of the program. ”

As the subcommittee develops a bill on agricultural appropriations for fiscal year 2020, the Farm Coalition urges the full funding of FRSAN in the amount of $ 10 million.

This funding will be critical to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers who are experiencing growing financial and psychological stress.