We are very concerned by the evidence indicating that agricultural and veterinary workers have a higher-than-average suicide rate compared to the rest of the population. Although more accurate information is needed, a clear enough picture Rural Mental Health 77 was already established for the Government’s national suicide prevention strategy (published over ten years ago) to identify both as high-risk occupational groups and take clear steps to improve the situation. Given this, we were dismayed by the lack of focus on them evident in recent strategy progress reports and the cross-government suicide prevention workplan. Compared to other departments of state and their client groups, whether prisoners, military veterans or those in serious debt, DEFRA appears to have a very limited role in this area. The Government should address this shortcoming by creating clear objectives and actions when revising the national strategy.