As farmers continue to struggle in New York state and beyond, the rate of suicides in the farming industry has increased to a level higher than that of the general population. I would like to make struggling farmers aware of a helpful mental health resource available through NY FarmNet. Farmers experiencing financial stress can seek help from the organization by calling 1-800-547-3276, toll free.

Sadly, an increasing number of farmers in a financial bind have seen suicide as their only way out. As a former apple grower, I too know the struggles our farmers face. The combination of New York’s poor economic climate and the ill effects of the recent federal government shutdown has made it a scary and overwhelming time for many farmers and their families.

According to multiple reports by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2012, 2015), the suicide rate among farmers is double that of veterans. Unfortunately, agricultural experts believe the rate among farmers may even be higher because many farmers stage their suicide as a farm accident.

The on-going federal government shutdown isn’t helping either as financially-burdened farmers may be relying on federal programs for assistance with loans or mortgages. That, combined with one of the worst farm depressions in our nation’s history, has our local farming communities and the state’s agriculture industry as a whole now facing an alarming situation.

I am working to bring attention to this crisis to leaders at the State Capitol and would like to see more funding available to support farmers in the state budget. So far, the governor’s proposed budget does very little other than incentivize disadvantaged farmers to participate in the recreational marijuana market, should it be legalized in New York state. I don’t believe this is the answer. In fact, many farmers might have concerns about entering the industry when it has not been legalized on a federal level.

There is no miracle cure, nor one, single solution to fix this problem. The state needs to pay more attention to the reality of farming today in our state in order to protect the industry, the farmers themselves and our food for the future.

While I work with other legislators, on behalf of our farmers, to improve this situation, I want you to know help is available. If you are struggling, please don’t struggle alone. Do not be too proud to ask for help. Call the hotline, or call me: we will help.

NY FarmNet is now hosting a series of Mental Health First Aid training courses to regions across the state, including one at the Madison County Cornell Cooperative Extension Office on Feb. 1. For more details on the course or to register, please visit https://www.nyfarmnet.org/events/2019/2/1/mental-health-first-aid-course-madison-county. For more resources to assist farmers, please go to: www.nyfarmnet.org/.

Additionally, I urge anyone struggling with feelings of depression or thoughts of suicide to contact a medical professional or call the national Suicide Prevention Lifeline at: 1-800-273-8255.