Farm Aid and Tribune in Fisticuffs

By Julene McCoy in Arts & Entertainment on Sep 21, 2005 4:32PM

The first swing came flying from the Tribune - only 28% of Farm Aid's revenue last year made it to farm families. Ouch! That stings! The Trib then continued the jabs with questions of why Farm Aid has nearly $19,000 in Bank of America stock when banks are the ones responsible for foreclosing on family farms - the main reason that Farm Aid began twenty years ago. The Trib also added that in Farm Aid's holdings were shares of Exxon Mobil and Chevron, which don't seem to be likely partners for the bio-diesel promoting charity.

Neil Young countered during a media conference prior to the Farm Aid show saying that the report hurt Farm Aid's reputation by distorting the charity's function. Jeff Tweedy also criticized the Tribune's report during Wilco's set. Most of Farm Aid's counterattack came in the form of press releases - not so exciting - calling the allegations "gross inaccuracies". Farm Aid's main contention is that their work is not solely about grants to the family farmer, but about raising awareness, lobbying, and educating others regarding their plight. Therefore, many of their funds go to programs that aid these efforts. These programs and initiatives end up accounting for 80% of the dollars raised by Farm Aid.

Unfortunately public perception is key and the Tribune got their words out there first and loudest. Farm Aid will have a chance to prove their worth with their actions next year when the debate over the nation's farm subsidy system will begin. The system is up for renewal in 2007 and both sides are gearing up for the battle now.