A pair of legislators have submitted a bipartisan letter to chairs of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees as they stand up for Michigan farmers and their mental health.

State Reps. Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar) and Jasper Martus (D-Flushing) are pushing for the restoration of farmer suicide prevention funds through a future supplemental measure after funding for the program was paused.

“This program is a lifeline for many Michigan farmers who work tirelessly to put food on the table for us and our families,” Bierlein said. “This is a livelihood that unfortunately sees a high rate of suicides compared to other professions. Thanks to reporting from Bridge Michigan and conversations our legislative offices in Lansing have had, we know many Michigan farmers do not have insurance plans that cover mental health care and some have no insurance at all. Without funding for this program, they are forced to pay hundreds of dollars out of their own pockets for therapy as they try to get by, or they simply opt not to receive care they desperately need. We need to look at this as lifesaving medical treatment, because that’s what it is.”

“Farming is not easy, and it takes a toll both physically and mentally” Martus said. “Culturally, we seem to understand now that mental health is as important as physical health, but our public policy needs to catch up. Agriculture is one of Michigan’s top industries and that is because of our farmers. I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that farmers have access to the care they need and can do their important work. Too often, people feel left behind. Farmers should know that we have their backs.”

In last year’s state budget, the Farmer Suicide Prevention Program received $112,000 from the state and a $90,000 federal grant. These resources helped pay for hundreds of therapy visits and reached thousands of people across Michigan. Farmers work within one of the state’s most important economic industries. There are roughly 44,000 farms throughout Michigan that employ nearly 100,000 workers, according to state data.

Bierlein and Martus noted in the letter that as a federal farm bill for 2026 is still being negotiated, elected leaders in Michigan should step up to ensure the program can operate in some capacity and connect farmers with resources for care. The legislators also called on funding for the program to be a part of the state budget for the next fiscal year to ensure year-over-year support without lapses.