A diverse group of farmers and food producers shared stories during Farm Aid 2022 last week of how unpredictable and devastating weather patterns, exacerbated by climate change, put their land and crops at risk. These farmers also described the ways they use regenerative agricultural practices, like pasturing livestock, farming organically, and increasing biodiversity on their farms, to help lessen the impact of climate change on their own farms and across our country.
"Farmers stand on the frontlines of climate change and are all too familiar with its consequences," said Farm Aid Executive Director Carolyn Mugar, in a statement. "At the same time, family farmers are the best resources we have to minimize the toll of climate change. All of us need to support proactive farm and food policies that support climate-resilient family farmers and ranchers as they steward our soil and strengthen our food system."
At the sold-out festival at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek in Raleigh, North Carolina, Farm Aid President and Founder Willie Nelson praised family farmers for displaying tenacity and grit in the midst of mounting climate-related obstacles.
"By bringing Farm Aid back to North Carolina we can showcase what family farmers do to benefit everyone, thanks to their on-farm practices," said Nelson. "Family farmers have an intimate relationship with the earth's soil and water. By investing in the long-term health of our soil, water and climate, farmers give back to the land that brings good food to all of us."
Joining Nelson on stage were Farm Aid board members John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews (performing with Tim Reynolds), and Margo Price, as well as Chris Stapleton, Sheryl Crow, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Allison Russell, Charley Crockett, Brittney Spencer, Particle Kid, the Wisdom Indian Dancers, and the Red Clay Singers, who donated their time and talent for the 10-hour show.
Farm Aid's Homegrown Village featured hands-on activities to celebrate agriculture and give festivalgoers a chance to meet farmers in person and learn how they enrich soil, protect water, and grow the economy. Local and national organizations participated, and attendees learned about gleaning and re-localizing food systems to prevent avoidable food waste; discovered North Carolina local farms, markets and farm products; and tested their food and farm knowledge in games.
Throughout the day, artists and farmers joined together on the FarmYard stage to discuss challenges and opportunities in agriculture, including climate change, farmer mental health, food policy and native agriculture.
Since 1985, Farm Aid, with the support of the artists who contribute their performances each year, has raised more than $64 million to support programs that help farmers thrive, expand the reach of the Good Food Movement, take action to change the dominant system of industrial agriculture, and promote food from family farms.
Related: Bristol Farms Offers Vertically Farmed Produce; Blue Apron Commits to Sustainability.