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National Farm Workers Day

Help fundraise or donate to charities that aid farmers in order to support the hard workers who keep our agricultural systems running, and food in our stores.

Food & Drink Jobs & Professions45

Marketing angleinferred

Celebrate farm workers and drive foot traffic to local farms, farmers markets, and farm-to-table restaurants by positioning support for agricultural labor as both community-minded and environmentally responsible.

Relevance 45medium intent

Behind-the-scenes farm worker spotlights: share stories of the people who grow your food
Farm-to-table dining specials: partner with local restaurants to highlight worker contributions
Farmers market promotions: encourage March visits with discounts on local produce
Charity donation campaigns: tie retail sales to agricultural worker support organizations

History

Farming and agriculture have been a huge part of keeping humanity thriving since we were intelligent enough to cultivate food. In fact, the act of farming has been traced back to way back in the Neolithic era.

As far as we know, the first society to actively engage in farming on a larger scale was the Sumerians, who had a labor force specializing in farming. They also constructed irrigation methods to grow their crops and had a strict harvesting pattern across the year.

Farm workers are those in the fields, picking crops and looking after animals. With the advances in technology, specifically in farming, in the last century or so farm workers have found their work becoming even more specialized.

When we talk about a farmworker, this can have quite a broad meaning. It could mean someone hired by a farm to take part in any activities on the farm, but it can also mean someone who is hired solely to be involved in the production – such as harvesting.

Working outside for long periods in all kinds of climates, and the bending and crouching needed for harvesting – not to mention the dangers of using farm machinery and being around some big and easily riled animals – can be very tough on farmworkers.

National Farm Workers Day is about thanking farmworkers for their hard work.

How to celebrate

Show Support for Local Farmers

Supporting farmers and farm workers is a great way to observe this day – you could choose to fundraise for some of the few farming charities or donate to them yourself.

Enjoy a Visit to a Working Farm

You could also make plans to visit a farm on this important day! Especially in the UK, many farms have a shop and sometimes a cafe attached to them where you can have a coffee and buy some fresh produce straight from the farm. Other farms might invite visitors to a petting zoo on certain days, or even attending classes with animals, like goat yoga!

Enjoy a Farm-to-Table Restaurant

More of these types of eateries are popping up, sourcing their foods from local growers. This not only supports local farmers in the community, but it also means less transportation which causes less of a harmful impact on the environment.

Pick Up Some Farm Fresh Foods

This is also a great day to drop by a local farmers market in support of local growers and farmers. Or stop by the local grocery store to grab some vegetables. Be sure that you are mindful of the work that has gone into growing your food!

FAQ

What kinds of health and safety risks do farm workers commonly face?

Farm workers often face a mix of physical, chemical, and environmental hazards. Physically, they may perform repetitive bending, lifting, and carrying that can lead to musculoskeletal injuries, and they frequently work long hours in extreme heat or cold. Many are exposed to agricultural machinery, which can cause serious accidents if equipment is not properly guarded or workers are not trained. Chemical risks include contact with pesticides and fertilizers, which can lead to acute poisoning or long‑term health effects if protective gear and safety procedures are not followed. In some regions, crowded or substandard housing and limited access to healthcare further increase health risks for farm workers.

Why are agricultural workers often excluded from standard labor protections?

In several countries, including the United States, agricultural workers have historically been excluded from some core labor protections because of political compromises made when foundational labor laws were created. In the U.S., for example, the National Labor Relations Act and parts of the Fair Labor Standards Act originally left out many farm workers, particularly in the context of racial and regional politics in the 1930s. As a result, agricultural workers in many places may lack the same guarantees for overtime pay, collective bargaining, or rest breaks that other workers receive, although some states and countries have since expanded protections at the local level.

How does migrant status affect conditions for farm workers?

Migrant farm workers often face added vulnerabilities tied to their immigration status and dependence on a single employer. Temporary or undocumented workers may be reluctant to report unsafe conditions, wage theft, or abuse because they fear job loss or deportation. In guest worker programs like the U.S. H‑2A visa, workers are typically tied to one employer for housing, transportation, and legal status, which can limit their bargaining power and make it difficult to leave abusive situations. Language barriers, isolation in rural areas, and limited access to legal aid or healthcare can further worsen conditions for migrant farm workers.

Is buying organic food always better for farm workers?

Organic certification focuses primarily on how crops and livestock are raised, especially the prohibition or restriction of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which can reduce some chemical exposures for farm workers. However, organic standards alone do not necessarily guarantee fair wages, safe housing, or strong labor rights. Some farms pair organic production with additional social or fair labor certifications, while others do not. Consumers who want to support both environmental and worker welfare often look for labels or programs that address labor conditions alongside organic practices.

What labels or certifications can help consumers support farm workers’ rights?

Consumers can look for certifications that address labor standards in addition to environmental practices. Examples include Fairtrade International and Fair Trade USA, which set minimum prices and require compliance with criteria related to working conditions, freedom of association, and efforts to prevent child and forced labor. Programs such as the Fair Food Program in the United States use legally binding agreements between growers, buyers, and worker organizations to improve wages and safety and to provide complaint mechanisms. No label is perfect, but choosing products backed by independent monitoring and transparent standards can shift some market power toward farms that treat workers more fairly.

How has the farm worker movement changed agricultural labor in the United States?

Organizing by farm workers and their allies has led to several concrete improvements in parts of U.S. agriculture. Starting in the 1960s, groups such as the United Farm Workers used strikes, boycotts, and collective bargaining to secure contracts that raised wages, reduced pesticide exposure, and provided rest breaks and access to toilets and drinking water in the fields. Their campaigns also helped spur state‑level laws in places like California that give agricultural workers some rights to organize and bargain collectively. While many challenges remain, the farm worker movement has shown that collective action can reshape both industry practices and public awareness of conditions in the fields.

How can climate change affect the lives and work of farm laborers?

Climate change intensifies many of the risks that farm workers already face. Rising temperatures and more frequent heat waves increase the likelihood of heat stress, dehydration, and heat stroke for people working outdoors. Changing rainfall patterns and more extreme weather events can lead to crop failures or shifts in planting seasons, which may shorten work periods, reduce incomes, or force workers to migrate more often. In some regions, the need to work longer hours during hotter periods to save crops can compound health risks. Adaptation measures such as mandatory shade, rest breaks, clean drinking water, and heat‑safety training are increasingly important for protecting farm workers in a warming climate.