Farm Aid 2001 Brings Together Family Farmers And Artists In Concert For America

Farm Aid
Saturday, 29 September 2001

At a sold out Farm Aid 2001 benefit today, 24,000 concertgoers demonstrated their support for struggling family farmers. America's family farmers, working the land, ensure that our country remains secure and independent, especially in times of adversity.

At the concert, family farmers from across the country joined founders Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young and a line-up of star-studded artists, including Farm Aid's newest board member, Dave Matthews. Everyone at the concert rallied to stand with the rest of the country to demonstrate to the world the resilience and compassion that represent the best of what it means to be an American.

"We're here to make sure family farmers continue to be part of this country's future, now more than ever," said Farm Aid President and founder Willie Nelson. "The future of the American family farmer is the future of our families, our communities, and the quality of our food and environment."

As a gesture of solidarity and respect for the many people affected by the World Trade Center bombing, Farm Aid has teamed up with Patchwork Family Farms to donate 5,000 pounds of farm-raised meat products.

Farm Aid was especially proud to welcome International Association of Fire Fighters General President Harold Schaitberger who attended the concert to thank Americans for their overwhelming support and accepted the food donation.

This food-aid will be distributed by the New York City Central Labor Council's Support Center in its ongoing efforts to assist the victims and their families. The day after the Farm Aid 2001 concert, Patchwork Family Farms will begin driving the truckload of food to New York City.

The lineup for Farm Aid 2001 included Willie Nelson, Neil Young and Crazy Horse, John Mellencamp, a special solo performance by Dave Matthews, Doobie Brothers, Martina McBride, Arlo Guthrie, Acoustic Syndicate, Susan Tedeschi, Jimmy Reyser and Chris Knight.

Family farmers from across the country rallied at the concert site to demonstrate their commitment to a strong America. The farmers said the new challenges facing our nation underscore the importance of ensuring a safe and healthy food supply sustainably produced on small family farms.

"As food producers and guardians of the land and natural resources, family farmers make our country strong. We cannot have a strong America, without strong family farms," said Helen Waller, a Montana wheat farmer and cattle rancher.

Those who wish to help America's family farmer can call 1-800-FARM AID to make a donation.

Farm Aid 2001 was telecast for the fourth consecutive year by CMT: Country Music Television as a live six-hour special Saturday, Sept. 29 from 4 p.m.-10 p.m. EDT.

This year's concert was sponsored by Fashion Bug, The Body Shop, Reebok Fitness Water, and Organic Valley.

Farm Aid was founded in 1985 by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young to raise public awareness about the plight of the American family farmer and to provide assistance to those families whose livelihood depends on agriculture. In the past 16 years, Farm Aid has granted nearly $16 million to more than 100 farm organizations, churches and service agencies in 44 states. This year's event was the 14th concert.

For more information, or to contact Farm Aid, see their website at: www.farmaid.org