Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Dave Matthews will headline Farm Aid 2008 on September 20 at the Comcast Center in Mansfield, MA., marking the first time the organization will bring its annual benefit concert to the northeast. Other acts will be named soon. The event is being presented by Whole Foods Market and Horizon Organic. Tickets go on sale July 28 and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, or by calling (866) 448-7849. Farm Aid will offer special advance sale tickets to its FarmYard members. To become a member of Farm Aid’s FarmYard, visit them at their website. Since 1985, Farm Aid has raised more than $30 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.

“New England was built on the strength of independent family farmers,” said Mellencamp in a statement. “We can honor that independent spirit by joining Farm Aid to grow the movement that is changing the way all of America eats.”

The concert event will again feature family-farm identified, local and organic foods at concessions, setting an example of the many ways that family farm food can be integrated into the general marketplace.

“Bringing Farm Aid’s unique concert event to New England creates an unparalleled opportunity to showcase the innovation and determination of the area’s farmers,” added Carolyn Mugar, executive director of Farm Aid. “We’re looking forward to a day filled with outstanding music and delicious food grown by these farmers from across the region.”

As part of its work to increase the affordability and availability of fresh, healthy foods, Farm Aid also announced its support for the collaborative initiative between the Food Project and the city of Boston to help more families shop at farmers markets by building infrastructure that allows market vendors to accept food stamps.

Since its beginning, Farm Aid has traveled the country, staging annual concerts and supporting local organizations working to strengthen family farms. Farm Aid builds the Good Food Movement by connecting people with family farmers who are increasing the supply of local, humanely raised, sustainable and organic food.

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