The bill establishes the Farm Mental Health and Financial Services Task Force in New Jersey, aimed at developing and maintaining a comprehensive list of mental health and financial assistance services specifically for farm owners, operators, supervisors, and laborers. The task force will consist of five members, including the Secretary of Agriculture and the Commissioner of Health, along with three public members appointed by the Governor. These public members will represent a farmer advocacy group, a Statewide banking association with experience in agricultural financial services, and a Statewide mental health advocacy group. The task force will be responsible for organizing within 45 days of member appointments and will meet as needed to fulfill its objectives.
The task force is mandated to create and publicize a list of available mental health and financial services within 180 days of its initial meeting, ensuring that this information is accessible online through the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health's websites. The list will be updated every 180 days to reflect the most current services available. Additionally, the task force will issue a report to the Governor and Legislature every three years, summarizing its activities and impact on the mental and financial well-being of farmers, along with recommendations for future actions. This initiative addresses the critical mental health challenges faced by farmers, who experience significantly higher suicide rates compared to the general population.