Farm Aid [0] is hoping the Big Apple will be fertile ground for support of family farms, when the organization holds its first New York City benefit concert on Sept. 9 at Randall’s Island.

Founded in 1985, Farm Aid raises funds to support family farming and to promote food from family farms.

“Things change when we all take personal responsibility for our food and where it comes from," said Farm Aid Board Member John Mellencamp [1]. "Farm Aid is a force for change that works hard to keep farmers on the land so that we'll have good food on our tables."

Dubbed “Farm Aid 2007: A HOMEGROWN Festival,” the event will have music, good food and hands-on activities with family farmers and urban growers. Concert concessions will feature all fresh, local, organic and family farmed food. The lineup has not yet been released, but expect to see Willie Nelson, Mellencamp, Dave Matthews and Neil Young perform.

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. The organization has raised over $30 million so far.

New York City might seem like an unlikely place to garner support for farming. But the city’s connections to farms have only strengthened in recent years, with the proliferation and popularity of farmers markets. The city's Greenmarket [2] program supports roughly 180 local farmers at 47 locations throughout the five boroughs, a 67 percent increase in locations since 2001. More than 80 percent of Greenmarket farmers say they would go out of businesses if it weren't for Greenmarkets.

In addition, New York state has 127 community-supported agriculture programs, where members buy a “share” of the farm and receive weekly deliveries of fruits and vegetables. There are 428 certified organic farms and 330 certified organic crops in the state, accounting for 26,955 acres.

"Farm Aid is coming to New York because your enthusiasm for family farm food is keeping family farmers on the land," said Farm Aid President Willie Nelson [3]. "We are thankful to Mayor Bloomberg, the City Council, and the many activists here who are leading efforts so that every New Yorker has access to more food from family farms."

Tickets went on sale on June 16. You can buy them at Ticketmaster [4], or by calling (212) 307-7171, (631) 888-9000 or (203) 624-0033.