FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 28, 2015
FARM AID CONTACT:
Brittany Vanderpool
202-248-5487
bvanderpool@vancomm.com
Farm Aid Issues Emergency Grants to Farmers and Ranchers in South Carolina
Organization Activates Family Farm Disaster Fund in Response to Extreme Flooding
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — As South Carolina farmers deal with the aftermath of historic rainfall and flooding that occurred in early October, Farm Aid has activated its Family Farm Disaster Fund to aid in the immediate relief effort for family farmers in the affected region.
“Our hearts go out to the South Carolina farmers who saw their precious crops washed away by rushing waters,” said Farm Aid’s Farm Advocate Jennie Msall. “We understand both the financial and emotional toll that disasters, such as this, can have on an individual. That is why we are proud to join in the relief effort to help South Carolina family farmers rebuild their farms and livelihoods so they can get back to the important work they do for all of us.”
Farm Aid has partnered with local and regional organizations working on the ground with farmers in South Carolina to distribute emergency grants to farm families affected by flooding, and to offer resources that help farmers navigate their farm recovery options, from mental health resources to federal funding opportunities. The organizations Farm Aid is working with include Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, Clemson Cooperative Extension, Farmers’ Legal Action Group, Federation of Southern Cooperatives, GrowFood Carolina, Lowcountry Local First, Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA and Sustainable Midlands.
Since activating the Family Farm Disaster Fund, Farm Aid has raised more than $15,000 to support relief and recovery efforts. Every dollar raised will support farmers who have experienced damages due to flooding, and strengthen local and national farm organizations that provide the resources and expertise farmers need to recover.
Farm Aid is working with partners in disaster-affected areas to determine the long-term needs of impacted farmers and ranchers. If you or your family have been affected by the extreme rainfall and flooding in South Carolina, please contact Farm Aid at 1-800-FARM-AID (800-327-6243) or farmhelp@farmaid.org. Additional resources are available at www.farmaid.org/disaster. To donate, please visit www.farmaid.org/SC.
Farm Aid’s mission is to build a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture in America. Farm Aid artists and board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews host an annual concert to raise funds to support Farm Aid’s work with family farmers and to inspire people to choose family farm food. For 30 years, Farm Aid, with the support of the artists who contribute their performances each year, has raised more than $48 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.
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