Willie Nelson of Farm Aid Says We Need to Strengthen Our Food System

Farm Aid uses the platform of its annual benefit festival to urge all Americans to play a role in strengthening the country's food system. Singer and American music icon Willie Nelson, who is the founder of the festival and on the board, had a very short but sweet and poignant comment about how we as Americans eat.

"Every time we eat, we determine the direction of our food system," said Nelson, who, as we said, is the president and founder of Farm Aid. "Farmers are doing their part. When we all stand with them and do our part, we can bring about change that's good for all of us."

Farm Aid board members besides Nelson include Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews. They all emphasized the critical responsibility of businesses, policymakers — and everyone who eats — to help grow the Good Food Movement. More than 25,000 fans attended this year's sold-out event, hosted at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Remember this: No farms, no food. It's not just a bumper sticker. It's the truth.

What can you do to support the agricultural community?

—Carly Costello
10.02.13