Farm Aid Issues $532,000 in Grants to 67 Family Farms

By CnAgri Print

Farm Aid announced that 67 family farm and rural service organizations received $532,300 from its grant program during 2012. These organizations work to strengthen family farm agriculture nationwide.

"These grants empower grassroots organizations to put new farmers on the land and amplify the voices of family farmers," said Farm Aid President Willie Nelson. "Farm Aid funds create opportunities for all of us who seek good, healthful food, and stronger economies and communities across America."

Farm Aid funds were invested in programs that help farm families stay on the land; build new market opportunities for farmers and increase consumer access to good food; and confront corporate concentration in agriculture. They also advocate for fair farm policies on behalf of all family farmers and inform and organize farmers and eaters around issues such as factory farms, genetically engineered food, food safety and climate change.

In Pennsylvania, where Farm Aid held its annual benefit concert in September of this year, $49,000 was granted to support sustainable farm transition, regional and local food systems development, hands-on organic farming workshops, and beginning farmer apprenticeship and training programs.

For a complete listing of Farm Aid's 2012 grants, visit www.farmaid.org/grants.