Among the acts confirmed for Farm Aid 2000 are Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Barenaked Ladies, Travis Tritt, Arlo Guthrie, North Mississippi Allstars, Shannon Curfman and Jimmy Sturr.

The annual concert takes place September 17 at the Nissan Pavilion outside Washington, D.C., and is the most visible fundraiser for Farm Aid. The organization was formed in 1985 by Nelson, Young and Mellencamp to raise awareness of the plight of American family farmers and provide assistance to families whose livelihoods depend on agriculture.

“Farm Aid is back in the D.C. area this year, with artists offering a unique day of music and with family farmers demanding a positive change,” Nelson said. “Family farmers are facing the worst economic times in decades.”

Tickets for the all-day festival go on sale August 4, and include a limited number of “Corn Belt” seats for $65.

Country Music Television will telecast a portion of the concert as an eight-hour special on September 17 from 2 – 10 p.m. Eastern time.

In the past 15 years, Farm Aid has granted more than $15 million to over 100 farm organizations, churches and service agencies in 44 states.

In addition to the concert, a commemorative CD of Farm Aid highlights from the past 15 years is in production and due to be released September 12. Proceeds from the CD, which will reflect the diversity and history of the benefits, will be donated to Farm Aid.