AgriSafe Network assisting farmers in need of mental health resources

A warmer-than-normal winter and a sudden freeze this year are to blame for destroying 90% of Georgia’s peach crop. Data suggests unseasonably warmer weather, combined with the pandemic, the 2020 recession and inflation has placed greater pressure and stress on Georgia’s agricultural industry. So much so that the American Psychological Association is calling the state of mental health amongst the farming community a crisis.

A 2022 study by Mercer University and the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture found 60% of Georgia farmers don’t have access to healthcare and 42% experienced suicidal ideation within 12 months prior to the study.

On Tuesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” Tara Haskins, total health director and Linda Emanuel, community health director at the AgriSafe Network, discussed how their organization is helping farmers with their mental health during tough agricultural times.