Farm Aid to Congress: Bail out farmers

SOMERVILLE, Mass., Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Farm Aid's star-studded board of directors is urging Congress to redirect the $700 billion Wall Street bailout it is considering to U.S. farmers.

Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Dave Matthews sent an open letter to congressional leaders urging them to redirect funds to farm communities in an effort to solve the country's economic, environmental, energy and health problems.

"The proposed $700 bailout asks taxpayers to foot the bill without giving them the opportunity to share in any gains that might result," Nelson said. "On the other hand, a $1 billion investment in family farm agriculture would enrich all of us, because we are all shareholders of the family farm. The return on investment in the family farm includes thriving local economies, nutritious food for better health, a safer and more secure food supply, a cleaner environment and more renewable energy. ... Family farmers are the bedrock of this country. They are always looking for new answers to problems and finding creative solutions that work."