John Mellencamp, Farm Aid co-founder and board member, today (3/10) will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where he will join fellow board member Neil Young, a 1995 inductee.

As a musician and songwriter, Mellencamp has artfully illustrated the struggles and passions of America's heartland, honoring the dignity of the small towns that make up the fabric of the country. He has also been a relentless advocate for a family-farm system of agriculture in the United States. Through his work with Farm Aid for more than two decades, Mellencamp has raised the profile of family farmers, issued bold challenges to elected officials, and called for a food and farming system that provides quality food for all, not just profits for corporate agribusiness. Mellencamp brought a rock-and roll-attitude as he rallied with family farmers protesting against farm foreclosures in the 1980's.

"Raised in the independent spirit of America's heartland, John's music and straight talk demonstrate the roots of rock and roll. Like the family farmers who sparked a movement resisting foreclosures, pioneering a new kind of food and farm economy, John always steps up to say 'something's not right here and it's got to change,'" said Carolyn Mugar, Farm Aid director.

In September 1985, John Mellencamp answered the call from Willie Nelson, and joined with Neil Young to stage the first Farm Aid concert. The dedication of these three founders now joined by Dave Matthews resulted in a 23-year program on behalf of family farming in America, the longest running concert for a cause.

To learn more about John Mellencamp's work with Farm Aid, visit http://www.farmaid.org.

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