Key Takeaways:
- Farm Aid 2024 celebrated farmers developing community-based food systems that improve food access, farmer income, and local economies while promoting healthier soil and water.
- The event featured a diverse group of farmers sharing their efforts to create a more democratic, equitable, and accessible food system.
- Farm Aid’s leadership, including Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young, Dave Matthews, and Margo Price, called for collective action to support farmers and counter corporate influence.
- Listening sessions and a daylong forum were held to develop strategies for increasing equity for farmers, workers, and consumers.
- The event included hands-on activities, live performances, and locally sourced food, reinforcing Farm Aid’s commitment to supporting family farmers.
At the sold-out Farm Aid 2024 event at the Broadview Stage at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, farmers and food producers from across the country showcased their efforts to build community-based food systems that prioritize food access, quality, and sustainability. These producers, who work to boost local economies and promote healthier environments, called for increased support from consumers and elected officials to strengthen the food system.
Farm Aid’s leadership and artist board members Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young, Dave Matthews, and Margo Price praised the resilience of these farmers and emphasized the importance of collective action to challenge corporate dominance in agriculture.
“Farmers are doing right by their communities, just as they always have,” said Farm Aid President and Founder Willie Nelson. “But if we’re going to get the food system we need, we all have to work together to support their efforts.”
Engaging Communities and Building Coalitions
In the lead-up to the event, the Farm Aid team held listening sessions with rural residents, family farmers, labor leaders, and community organizers to develop strategies for building community power and fostering collaboration between rural and urban groups. These efforts culminated in a daylong forum, where participants discussed ways to address inequities in the farm and food system and combat misconceptions about rural America.
“There are multiple injustices embedded in our farm and food system,” said Farm Aid Executive Director Carolyn Mugar, “but we’ve learned from other movements that people can overcome these challenges if we demand and create a different path forward.”
Honoring Local Champions and Fostering Connection
Local and regional leaders were honored with the Spirit of Farm Aid award for their dedication to family farmers and the Farm Aid mission. Among the honorees were Live Nation’s John Huff and Legends Hospitality’s Carl Fiorentino, as well as champions of GrowNYC youthmarkets and Breezy Hill Orchard farmer Elizabeth Ryan.
The festival’s HOMEGROWN Village engaged attendees with hands-on activities that covered topics such as climate, soil health, and sustainable farming practices. Visitors had the chance to learn about wild plants, cover crops, and heritage breed livestock, while also hearing from artists and farmers on pressing issues like food access and climate change.
Food that Supports Farmers and the Environment
Throughout the event, Farm Aid’s HOMEGROWN Concessions® served food made from locally sourced, organic ingredients produced by family farmers who follow ecological practices. The menu, crafted by Legends Hospitality and local vendors, offered a variety of options, including stuffed potatoes, pork chop sandwiches, and ice cream sandwiches, highlighting the importance of sustainable food choices.
Broadcasting Farm Aid 2024
For those unable to attend in person, Farm Aid 2024 was livestreamed on FarmAid.org and Farm Aid’s YouTube channel. SiriusXM subscribers were also able to tune in via Willie’s Roadhouse and Dave Matthews Band Radio. The coverage, hosted by SiriusXM’s Dallas Wayne, Ari Fink, and Joey Black, included backstage interviews with artists and farmers.
Sponsors of the event included Tractor Beverage Co., Patagonia Workwear, Organic Valley, REI Co-op, and Native American Agriculture Fund, among others. Their support underscored the shared commitment to promoting sustainable, community-driven food systems.
