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INVESTIGATOR: Lemos, M.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
NATIONAL YOUNG FARMERS COALITION, INC
228 WARREN ST
HUDSON, NEW YORK 12534

BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE AND COMPREHENSIVE NETWORK FOR FARM AND RANCH STRESS ASSISTANCE IN THE NORTHEAST 

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Farming should be among the most rewarded professions in our country. Instead, farmers are struggling. Since 2013, farmers have experienced a 50 percent decrease in net farm income -- a drop so severe that in 2018, median farm income was -$1,553. Meanwhile, production expenses and interest rates are rising, along with a growing incidence of devastating natural disasters. In addition to an occupation that can be isolating, physically taxing, and where so many factors are beyond an individual's control, these trends are contributing to reports of increased stress levels among farmers. In 2015, suicide rates among farmers were more than twice the rate of the general population (CDC, 2018).This projects aims to establish a Northeast regional Farmer and Rancher Stress Assistance network.This network willmust bring togetherdisciplines of farm financial, legal and behavioral health support and willinclude appropriate infrastructure for providers to connect, refer to, and integrate their services; provide ongoing peer support and education; and offer trainings and resources that increase the capacity of service providers. We will accomplish this by creating a network of service providers, building a website which will house resources for the network, and convene service providers for a 3-day training addressing key issues in farmer mental health.

OBJECTIVES: This project will develop a Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network in the Northeast Region. Farmers in the Northeast face unique stressors and signs of increased farmer stress are apparent. To address farmer stress, this project will:* Convene a network of farmer service providers in the region to build connection and collaboration, gather resources, and provide feedback on regional needs,* Develop an online clearinghouse to share available resources and referrals with farmers and service providers, and* Train service providers on the network, available resources, and best practices for working with farmers under stress.