By Blake Jackson
Farm Aid has announced the distribution of nearly $1.5 million in grants throughout 2024, continuing its mission to support family farmers and strengthen local agricultural communities. Following its 39th annual festival in Saratoga Springs, New York, the organization revealed that its End of Year Grant Program provided $1,101,500 to 101 organizations across the country. These grants focused on advancing racial equity, addressing climate change, countering corporate influence in agriculture, and supporting farmers facing crises and stress.
"The work to support family farmers and empower communities through agriculture happens on the ground all across this country. We're grateful to the people doing this work and we're proud to stand strong with them," said Farm Aid President Willie Nelson. "Thanks to our fans, supporters and advocates for purchasing Farm Aid festival tickets and donating every year. It's because of you that we're able to send these funds to organizations across the country."
In addition to the End of Year grants, Farm Aid distributed $369,900 through various programs, including:
- Emergency Grants: $57,000 to individual farmers facing financial crises, facilitated by Farm Aid’s Hotline team.
- Disaster Grants: $235,000 to farmers impacted by wildfires, hurricanes, and other disasters.
- Strategic Grants: $30,000 to initiatives like Farm Commons, which aids farmers facing discrimination, and the Sobremesa Foundation, supporting underserved farmers.
- Farmer Leadership Grants: $27,900 to enhance farmers’ leadership skills and voices in decision-making.
- Scholarships: $20,000 to agriculture students pursuing higher education.
Farm Aid also invested $98,000 in 10 New York-based organizations, including GrowNYC and the Northeast Organic Farming Association, to advance its grant priorities.
Beyond financial support, Farm Aid works year-round to advocate for policies benefiting family farmers, promote sustainable farming practices, and encourage consumer support for locally produced food. For nearly 40 years, the organization has raised over $80 million through its annual festival, hosted by artists like Neil Young, John Mellencamp, and Dave Matthews, to sustain its efforts.
Farm Aid remains committed to building a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture. Donations are welcome year-round at farmaid.org/donate, and updates on its 40th-anniversary celebrations can be found on its social media channels and website.
Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: New York, Business