Farm Aid to help farmers hurt by Ike, Gustav

SOMERVILLE, Mass. (AP) - Farm Aid founder Willie Nelson says the organization will give $30,000 to groups that help family farmers in areas of Texas and Louisiana hit hardest by Hurricanes Ike and Gustav.

Nelson, a native Texan, announced the grants Thursday. They include $7,500 each to the Lutheran Social Services of the South, the Southern Mutual Help Association, the Louisiana Interchurch Conference and the Federation of Southern Cooperatives.

Farm Aid, based in Somerville, Massachusetts, says more money will be distributed as the extent of the hurricane damage becomes clearer.

Farm Aid, the nation's longest-running benefit concert, has raised more than $30 million since its first show in 1985. The concert, scheduled for September 20th, will be held in New England for the first time.

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