Farm Aid: Raising Awareness of the American Farmer

Farm Aid came to the public’s attention in 1985 when Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young founded this non-profit organization and staged a concert to raise money for American farmers in danger of losing their farms. The three men still serve on the board of directors and were joined in 2001 by Dave Matthews.

According to Farm Aid, family farmers in the U.S. are under extreme economic pressure and many are being forced off their land. This crisis in farming communities is threatening the future of the family farm. “As family farms are forced out by large factory farms, the quality of our food, our environment and our food security is in danger.”

The organization is dedicated to keeping farmers on their land and to supporting an agricultural system that produces high quality, fresh food while protecting the land and its natural resources. Since 1985, Farm Aid has awarded over $17 million in grants to farm organizations in 44 states. Through public education and direct grants, Farm Aid supports national, regional and local efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, fight factory farms, advocate for fair farm prices and provide credit counseling and direct assistance to farm families in need.

You can do your part to preserve the family farm by buying locally and by donating to Farm Aid.