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This letter appears in the program for FARM AID 2000 *Welcome to Farm Aid 2000* Today we will all be entertained by great music from some of America's most talented artists who have volunteered their time to support the American family farmer. It is my honor as the president of FARM AID to thank the hundreds of artists, their bands, crews, managers, publicists, booking agents, record labels and fans who have donated their energy and talent over the years to help family farmers tell their story to the American public. Together you generate a contagious spirit of good will. In 1985, when we organized the first FARM AID concert, we never imagined that we would still be around fifteen years later. The artists and the farmers involved in putting together the first show honestly believed that, if enough people were made aware of the difficulties facing rural America, the problem would be solved. But it hasn't been solved yet and the crisis is deepening. This year, farm prices for many major crops are at 15-year lows; for some, like corn, at a 25 year low. Many farmers are not even paid what it costs to produce their crops and livestock. The farmer's share of each food dollar continues to drop and is now only 20 cents on the dollar. Why is this happening? The easy answer is to say that american agriculture has moved away from the small family farm system of growing our food towards the industrialization of food production. This shift started many years ago and was solidified with the 1996 US Farm Aid. This is the current farm bill, misnamed "Freedom to Farm." It provides protection and encouragement to only the largest, corporate farms in the United States. It has been a disastrous government policy for family farmers. Every 7 years, a new Farm Bill is written and approved by the US Congress. The Farm Bill sets the rules for the farm economy. The first Farm Bill was created during the Dust Bowl of the 1930's as a means to assist and protect family farmers because the American government knew how important family farmers were to the consumers and to the economy. Since then the Farm Bill has evolved into a federal policy that protects only agribusiness interests. The next Farm Bill will be created in 2002. The farm groups that Farm Aid funds have worked tirelessly against Freedom to Farm . Now the work to get Congress to enact a better farm bill has started. The future doesn't have to be like this. In hundreds of America's communities, farmers and residents are working to find solutions and rebuild rural America. On a national level, much needs to change in our government's farm policy. We need a new Farm Bill! FARM AID works everyday to save family farms. We are active and involved with farmers all year round. Since 1985, FARM AID has distributed more than 15 million dollars to farm and rural organizations that are making a difference for family farmers. These efforts have helped to keep thousands of families on their farms. We have provided life saving help through emergency assistance, credit couseling and suicide hotlines. We have stood side by side with farmers in protests, rallies and in working to create long-term sustainable solutions to the problems facing rural America. Over the past fifteen years, I have had the chance to talk with so many of America's family farmers. They tell me that FARM AID has made a difference in their lives, not just through the hotlines and farm organizations that FARM AID supports, but also because FARM AID lets farmers know that there are people out there-like-you-who care about family farmers. FARM AID delivers hope. As long as there are people who are willing to get up before dawn and work in the fields all day, FARM AID will continue to work for them. By coming here today, you have become a member of the FARM AID family. Your support is truly appreciated by American family farmers who provide the food that sustains us all. Stay strong and Positive, Willie Nelson President, FARM AID |
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