Farm Aid

Farm Aid is an annual benefit concert series that began in 1985, founded by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young. The first concert took place on September 22, 1985, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois, featuring over 40 acts and raising more than $9 million to support struggling American farmers. The event was sparked by Bob Dylan's comments during Live Aid about the plight of U.S. farmers facing financial crises due to low land values and high interest rates. Since its inception, Farm Aid has become the longest-running benefit concert series in America, raising nearly $80 million to promote a strong family farm system. Each year, the festival features performances by renowned artists while advocating for family farm food and supporting local agriculture. Farm Aid's mission includes promoting food from family farms, growing the Good Food Movement, and providing resources to help farmers thrive. The event also includes educational activities and merchandise that reflect its values of protecting soil, health, and local economies.