Neil Young Blasts Corporate Power: "Conscience Tax" Needed to Support Family Farmers

Farm Aid 40 Challenges Corporate Power: Neil Young Calls for "Conscience Tax" MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 20 - The 40th anniversary of Farm Aid, a benefit concert held Saturday at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, drew a crowd of 36,232 and raised significant funds for family farmers, but the event's headliner, Neil Young, emphasized that more needs to be done to challenge corporate power in America. Young, flanked by fellow founding musicians Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp, expressed his frustration with the current state of agriculture during a morning press conference. "We need money so we can give it to the farmers and support the farmers," he said. "And we need to get it from these big corporations and billionaires that have taken all the farmers' land or a great portion of it." Young's call for action was met with applause from the audience, which included Farm Aid board members Dave Matthews and Margo Price. The event, broadcast on CNN, also featured performances by numerous other artists and raised significant funds through ticket sales and contributions solicited during the broadcast. The Farm Aid organization has been a vocal advocate for family farmers and rural communities since its inception in 1985. However, Young's comments highlighted the ongoing struggle to address the issue of corporate power in agriculture. "We want donations from them," he said. "Huge donations to Farm Aid. We don't want to give them favors." The event's success is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Farm Aid mission and the dedication of its supporters. However, Young's words serve as a reminder that more work remains to be done to address the complex issues facing family farmers. Background Farm Aid was founded in 1985 by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young in response to a devastating drought that had ravaged Midwest farms. The organization has since become a leading advocate for family farmers and rural communities, hosting annual benefit concerts and providing financial support to those in need. Additional Perspectives Dave Matthews, a Farm Aid board member, emphasized the importance of supporting family farmers during an interview with CNN. "Family farmers are the backbone of our food system," he said. "They work tirelessly to produce the food we eat, but they often struggle to make ends meet." Margo Price, also a Farm Aid board member, highlighted the need for systemic change in agriculture. "We need to address the root causes of the problems facing family farmers," she said. "That means taking on corporate power and promoting policies that support rural communities." Current Status and Next Developments The success of Farm Aid 40 is expected to be one of the most significant fundraising efforts for the organization in many years. However, Young's call for action serves as a reminder that more work remains to be done to address the complex issues facing family farmers. As the event comes to a close, it is clear that the message of Farm Aid will continue to resonate with audiences around the world. The question now is what actions will be taken next to challenge corporate power and support family farmers. *Reporting by Billboard.*