Farm Aid
Founding & Early Impact
Willie Nelson Co-founded Farm Aid in 1985 with fellow musicians Neil Young and John Mellencamp to support family farmers during the U.S. farm crisis.
The first Farm Aid concert on September 22, 1985, held in Champaign, Illinois, raised over $7 million-$9 million for farmers and helped launch the nonprofit's work.
Willie Nelson has served as president of the Farm Aid board of directors and regularly performs at the annual concert.
Fundraising & Support Over the Years
Since 1985, Farm Aid has raised more than $85 million-$90 million through benefit concerts and related fundraising to support family farmers and sustainable agriculture programs.
In recent years, grant funding totals have exceeded $1.3 million in a single year, distributed to family farm and agriculture organizations to advance their work.
During special events like "At Home with Farm Aid," the organization has raised over $500,000 for farmers affected by crises such as COVID-19.
Awareness & Advocacy
Beyond fundraising, Farm Aid has been a platform for raising public awareness about the challenges facing family farmers and promoting food from family farms.
Nelson's visibility and ongoing role help sustain the organization's mission, bringing attention to agricultural policy, rural livelihoods, and sustainable food systems.
