At this time of giving, it’s nice to hear about giving back to those who feed the world. Farm Aid has given $585,700 in grants to 83 family farm, rural service and urban agriculture organizations in 36 states and the District of Columbia with the hope of strengthening family farm agriculture.
“Thanks to the generosity of supporters from across the country, today Farm Aid sends money to hardworking advocates and organizers who share Farm Aid’s mission to strengthen family farmers,” said Farm Aid President Willie Nelson. “Farm Aid grants support their work and invest in projects that build a thriving future for family farm agriculture and good food for all in both rural and urban communities.”
Farm Aid funds were invested in programs that:
– Help farm families stay on the land with legal support, business planning and financial assistance;
– Build new market opportunities for farmers and increase consumer access to good food;
– Confront corporate concentration in agriculture and ensure competitive markets;
– Advocate for fair farm policies on behalf of all family farmers;
– Inform and organize farmers and eaters around issues such as factory farms, genetically engineered (GE) food, food safety, climate change and fracking;
– Recruit and train beginning farmers and increase their access to farmland;
– Support farmer-to-farmer programs for more sustainable agricultural practices;
– Enhance access to good food in low-income communities; and
– Empower and support immigrant, refugee, and socially disadvantaged farmers and farmworkers.
“Farm Aid grantees are doing the fundamental work to grow the best possible farm and food system from the ground up,” said Farm Aid Executive Director Carolyn Mugar. “We are honored to call them our partners.”
For a complete listing of Farm Aid’s 2014 grants, visit www.farmaid.org/grants. You can also donate at www.farmaid.org.