where does farm aid money go

Farm Aid money primarily goes to programs that support family farmers rather than directly to their bank accounts. Around 81 cents of every dollar raised by Farm Aid is invested in initiatives that help keep family farmers on the land in the long term. These include consumer education campaigns to promote food from family farms, grants to grassroots organizations that build local food systems, advocacy for farm-friendly policies, and direct services such as financial counseling and farm advocacy through their Farm Resource Network. In addition, Farm Aid provides a hotline that offers immediate assistance and connects farmers with resources like legal advice, mental health support, and federal program navigation. Emergency grants are available but are relatively small and aimed at immediate household needs rather than farm debts or operating costs. Farm Aid has granted more than $31 million to over 300 organizations nationwide that provide education, financial assistance, training, and advocacy to family farmers. Much of the money also supports local nonprofits that work directly with farmers, helping them develop markets, transition to sustainable farming, and organize for fair policies. For example, in Minnesota, grants from Farm Aid have supported programs like Big River Farms, assisting new farmers to access certified organic land and markets. In summary, Farm Aid money funds systemic change, educational and advocacy programs, direct services for farmers in crisis, and grassroots efforts to strengthen the family farm sector broadly, rather than providing significant direct cash payments to individual farms.