2006_05_01_archive

Intro to Farm Aid

In 1985, when every newspaper in the country showed family farms being

auctioned off, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp held the

first Farm Aid concert to save family farms. A lot has changed since

then but their unwavering commitment to family farmers has never

waned. Dave Matthews was added to the Board of Directors in 2001 and

joins the founders in a dedication to seeing family farmers succeed.

Farm Aid stands for a democratic, decentralized, and sustainable food

system based on thriving family farms. For over 20 years, Farm Aid has

energized and mobilized citizens--farmers, eaters and

environmentalists--to confront corporate-driven agriculture in this

country and to build the alternative.

Right now, America is on the cusp of a powerful good food movement,

promoted and supported by Farm Aid. The American public recognizes

family farmers as their resource for food that is local,

humanely-raised, organic, and sustainable, and consumers are reaching

for these foods in grocery stores, at farmers markets, in schools and

even in hospitals. This demand offers growing economic opportunity for

family farmers to thrive. Farm Aid will continue to work to increase

the options for all family farmers in order to secure a safe, healthy

food supply for our future.

Funds generated at each Farm Aid concert and throughout the year are