Anvil Knitwear, a leading manufacturer of sustainable apparel, premiered a digital short at Farm Aid 25: Growing Hope for America Concert at Miller Park in Milwaukee on 2 October, as part of its sponsorship of the event. The thought provoking video educates consumers about the impact of pesticide use on the environment and farmers and encourages consumers to support organic farmers.

“As the largest buyer of US grown organic cotton, Anvil has made a commitment to double the amount of organic cotton acreage in the United States. The Message from Earth: Organic Matters digital short unveiled this weekend at Farm Aid is our latest initiative to reach both farmers and consumers and educate on the benefits of organic farming,” said Anthony Corsano, Anvil Knitwear CEO. “We believe that if farmers and consumers alike understand the impact of organic farming practices, they will make better choices."

In 2008, the company launched TrackMyT, an interactive website that chronicles and brings to life the complete journey and environmental impact of a t-shirt, from cotton-seed to consumer, allowing users to interact with the farmers behind Anvil’s products. Also, in 2009, Anvil launched its AnvilSustainable tee which supports farmers converting from conventional to organic farming practices.

Following on from Farm Aid, Anvil Knitwear will participate this week in the Texas Organic Cotton Marketing Cooperative’s Fall Field Day where the company will officially announce its renewed commitment to members of the cooperative, enabling farmers to grow more acreage of organic cotton or transition their crops to organic.

This is the second year in which Anvil has sponsored Farm Aid, a non-profit dedicated to supporting family farmers. Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews will headline the October 2 event, along with Kenny Chesney, Norah Jones, Jason Mraz and other acts.