By Blake Jackson
Wisconsin Farmers Union is celebrating a powerful partnership with Farm Aid! The grassroots organization has been awarded a grant supporting farmer-labor solidarity, coalition building, and public awareness of corporate consolidation's impact on agriculture.
This comes as Farm Aid announces over $1.3 million in grants distributed in 2023, prioritizing initiatives tackling climate change (a key focus of their annual festival), farmer well-being, racial equity, and curbing corporate influence in the food system.
"This grant is a tremendous vote of confidence in our work," expressed Darin Von Ruden, WFU President. "It fuels our efforts to strengthen farmer-labor ties and champion family farms across Wisconsin. We're deeply grateful to Farm Aid for their unwavering support and commitment to transforming our food system."
Farm Aid President Willie Nelson underscores the collective effort driving this change. "People are actively contributing to a farming system that benefits farmers, rural communities, and the environment," he says. "The generosity of Farm Aid supporters makes it possible to empower organizations like WFU that strive for a fair and sustainable farm and food future."
Wisconsin Farmers Union, a member-driven force, champions rural communities, family farms, and all citizens through education, collaboration, and civic engagement.
Farm Aid’s grantmaking is one aspect of its work to keep family farmers on the land, growing good food for all. For a complete listing of Farm Aid’s 2023 grant recipients, visit farmaid.org/2023grants.
Farm Aid, established with a vision of a vibrant, family farm-centered agricultural landscape, utilizes its annual festival, headlined by artists like Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp, to raise funds and inspire conscious food choices.
With over $78 million raised in 35 years, Farm Aid empowers programs that bolster farmer resilience, expand sustainable food options, and challenge the dominance of industrial agriculture, promoting family farm food as the cornerstone of a healthy food system.
Photo Credit: farm-aid
Categories: Wisconsin, Business, General