Many farmers and ranchers are coping with alarming levels of stress, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture should serve a critical role in providing support to farmers in crisis, according to the nation’s second-largest general farm organization.

National Farmers Union (NFU) president Roger Johnson wrote to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue urging the secretary to proactively address the farmer suicide crisis. Farmers and ranchers commit suicide at a five times greater rate than the general population.

“Farming is a high-stress occupation,” Johnson wrote. “Due to the prolonged downturn in the farm economy, many farmers are facing even greater stress. USDA’s national reach uniquely positions the department to assist farmers and ranchers during times of crisis. We urge you to leverage your vision for collaboration across USDA and the entire federal government to develop a response to the farm suicide crisis.”

Johnson noted that financial risk, volatile markets, unpredictable weather, social isolation and heavy workloads can all place significant strain on farmers’ and ranchers’ mental and emotional well-being. A 2016 study by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention revealed that farmers had a much higher rate of suicide than any other occupation. “This is exacerbated by the fact that 60% of rural residents live in areas that suffer from mental health professional shortages,” he added.

Johnson highlighted USDA’s vast network, including more than 2,100 Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices that interact with farmers and ranchers on a daily basis. He proposed several options for USDA to address the farmer suicide crisis, including: