“Farmers have a tremendous impact on the quality of food that we eat. But it takes a lot of effort from the consumer to make that work. The consumer and the family farmer have to work together.”

— John Mellencamp

In recent years, a lot of consideration has been brought to the table about the food people eat. Knowing where the food supply comes from, although seemingly a new movement, has been ongoing. In 1985, John Mellencamp, Willie Nelson, and Neil Young started a campaign to save the family farmer and help raise awareness about where people’s food was coming from. Joined by Dave Matthews in 2001, Farm Aid has been able to raise over $50 million to support family farming and educate the public in the process. It’s is no wonder that Farm Aid 2017 sold out on the first day tickets were available.

In order to understand why Farm Aid 2017 sold out so fast, it’s important to understand what the organization does for the American farmer and the consumer. Farm Aid’s main goal is to “…promote a strong and resilient family farm system of agriculture…to keep family farmers on the land (farmaid.org).” However, they don’t just help farmers, they also help consumers make good choices in the food they eat. The organization focuses on four specific things:

• Promoting Food from Family Farms: We know that to keep family farmers on the land we have to increase the number of people buying their good food. From our annual concert event that features family farm food and unites farmers, artists, and concerned citizens, to our inspiring and informative tv, radio, mail and web campaigns (including our HOMEGROWN.org website), we are building a powerful movement for good food from family farms.
• Growing the Good Food Movement: In order for family farmers to thrive we have to create more markets for them, giving more people the opportunity to access family farm food. Farm Aid fosters connections between farmers and eaters by growing and strengthening local and regional markets and working to get family farm food in urban neighborhoods, grocery stores, restaurants, schools and other public institutions.
• Helping Farmers Thrive: Since 1985, Farm Aid has answered 1-800-FARM-AID to provide immediate and effective support services to farm families in crisis. Now Farm Aid’s online Farmer Resource Network connects farmers to an extensive network of organizations across the country that help farmers find the resources they need to access new markets, transition to more sustainable and profitable farming practices, and survive natural disasters.
• Taking Action to Change the System: Farm Aid works with local, regional and national organizations to promote fair farm policies and grassroots organizing campaigns designed to defend and bolster family farm-centered agriculture. We’ve worked side-by-side with farmers to protest factory farms and inform farmers and eaters about issues like genetically modified food and growth hormones. By strengthening the voices of family farmers, Farm Aid stands up for the people upon whom we all depend. Farm Aid’s Action Center allows concerned citizens to become advocates for farm policy change.

Farm Aid’s goals outline an organization eager to educate, support, and have family farming continue. They want to build a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture in America (farmaid.org). That can only be successful when people come together. And, come together they did.

With this year’s concert selling out on the first day, many would think it has to do solely with the lineup. Perhaps the lineup of Mellencamp, Nelson, Young and others help boost ticket sales, however, the stellar talent is performing with a purpose: to support family farming and a quality food system. Without that purpose, it would merely be another music fest and Farm Aid is also an all-inclusive experience for everyone. From the fan to the local businesses to the farmer, the full day festival raises money for a good cause and for the future of agriculture.

Farm Aid 2017 sold out in the first day of ticket sales opening. To understand this, one needs to understand the vital impact the organization does. Started in 1985 by John Mellencamp, Willie Nelson, and Neil Young, Farm Aid focuses on both the farmer and the consumer. The organization’s support, education, and encouragement help everyone see the value of locally grown food from family farmer and the future of the agriculture industry.

~Jenna Jakes, WOGB

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