Farm Aid Responds to Weather Disasters Across the Country

Willie Nelson and Farm Aid Activate the Family Farm Disaster Fund

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 2, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As thousands deal with the aftermath of the devastating tornadoes and severe storms that continue to threaten the South, Midwest and Northeast, Farm Aid has activated its Family Farm Disaster Fund to aid in the immediate relief effort for family farmers in the affected regions.

"Our hearts go out to all the folks across the country that have been affected by the devastating weather disasters over the past few weeks," said Farm Aid President Willie Nelson. "At Farm Aid, we are doing everything in our power to deliver immediate support to family farmers, getting them back on the land and growing good food for all of us."

Recent reports indicate that 2011 has been the deadliest year for tornadoes in almost 60 years, and tornado season is only half over. Farmers along the Mississippi River have lost their fields and homes to record flooding. Meanwhile, farmers and ranchers from the Southeast to the West are dealing with historic drought conditions. And most recently, farmers in the Northeast have also been affected by heavy rains and flooding.  

Since activating the Family Farm Disaster Fund, Farm Aid has raised more than $22,000 in emergency assistance. Every dollar raised will support local farm groups, churches and rural organizations that get funds as quickly as possible to farmers in the impacted regions.

"We are proud to join in the relief effort to help family farmers rebuild their farms and livelihoods," said Farm Aid Executive Director Carolyn Mugar. "These farms serve as a critical part of our nation's backbone, and we strive to help them in this time of need, as they have served the needs of our nation's people for decades."

Contributions can be made to Farm Aid's Family Farm Disaster Fund online at www.farmaid.org.

Farm Aid's mission is to build a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture in America. Farm Aid artists and board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews host an annual concert to raise funds to support Farm Aid's work with family farmers and to inspire people to choose family farm food. Since 1985, Farm Aid, with the support of the artists who contribute their performances each year, has raised more than $39 million to support programs that help farmers thrive, expand the reach of the Good Food Movement, take action to change the dominant system of industrial agriculture and promote food from family farms.

Farm Aid 2011, the organization's 26th annual benefit concert, will be held in Kansas, City, Kan. on Aug. 13. For more information, visit www.farmaid.org.

SOURCE Farm Aid