Nelson to Congress: Farmers, Not Bankers

Open Letter to Congress Calls for $1 Billion Investment in Farm Communities to Solve America's Economic, Environmental, Energy and Health Problems.

By Blurt Staff

In response to the $700 billion Wall Street bailout enacted this weekend by Congress, the Farm Aid Board of Directors Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Dave Matthews sent an open letter to Congressional leaders urging them to redirect funds to farm communities and working men and women, where they can be better used to address our country's economic, environment, energy and health crises.

"The proposed $700 bailout asks taxpayers to foot the bill without giving them the opportunity to share in any gains that might result," Willie Nelson said. "On the other hand, a $1 billion investment in family farm agriculture would enrich all of us, because we are all shareholders of the family farm. The return on investment in the family farm includes thriving local economies, nutritious food for better health, a safer and more secure food supply, a cleaner environment and more renewable energy."

Nelson and fellow Farm Aid board members Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews marked Farm Aid's 23rd year last weekend with a New England-based benefit concert that showcased the tenacity of family farmers as an example of what it takes to solve America's most pressing challenges.

"Family farmers are the bedrock of this country. They are always looking for new answers to problems and finding creative solutions that work," said Nelson.

Farm Aid led by example at its annual benefit concert by becoming the only music festival to serve family farm food to concertgoers, artists, crews and VIPs, demonstrating what is possible in efforts to bring more family farm food to more people.

To read the open letter to Congressional leaders sent by Farm Aid Board of Directors Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Dave Matthews, go to www.farmaid.org/lettertocongress.