Farmers’ Consumer Awareness Day
Farmers' Consumer Awareness Day is a special event that bridges the gap between those who grow our food and those who consume it. It offers a chance for the public to gain a deeper understanding of the hard work, dedication, and expertise that goes into producing the food we enjoy.
Celebrate the farm-to-table connection by hosting farm tours, farmers' market activations, and local dining events that highlight producer stories and drive foot traffic to agricultural and food retail partners.
- Behind-the-scenes farm stories: Share farmer spotlights and harvest realities on social media
- Farm-to-table dining specials: Partner with local restaurants to promote seasonal menus sourced from nearby farms
- DIY farm tour guides: Create downloadable maps and tips for visiting local farms during the second Saturday in September
- Community quilt challenge: Engage customers in a creative fundraiser that supports local farmers and causes
Farmers’ Consumer Awareness Day began in 1981, sparked by an eye-opening radio show. Dennis Higashiyama, a farmer from Quincy, Washington, heard a story on the radio that illustrated how disconnected consumers were from the people growing their food.
He realized many people didn’t understand the effort involved in farming. This inspired him to create a day where farmers and consumers could meet, allowing the public to learn more about agriculture directly from those who work in it.
His idea took off, and the event has grown over the years. Originally focused on showing the challenges and importance of farming, it now includes fun activities like farm tours, parades, and educational events.
The goal has always remained the same: to reconnect consumers with farmers and help them appreciate where their food comes from.
Take a Farm Tour
Get your boots on and explore the heart of farming by visiting a local farm. Many farms offer tours, where you can chat with farmers and see how crops are grown. This is a fantastic way to understand the work behind your favorite fruits, veggies, and dairy products. Some farms might even let you pick your own produce, so don’t forget to bring a basket!
Attend a Farmers’ Market
Want to celebrate in a more low-key way? Head to your nearest farmers’ market. These markets brim with fresh produce, often picked just hours before. Chat with the farmers, ask questions about their methods, and maybe even grab a bunch of locally grown flowers. Bonus: You’ll go home with fresher, more flavorful food than you’d find at the supermarket!
Join a Farm-to-Table Event
Why not celebrate with some delicious local food? Many restaurants host special farm-to-table dinners on this day, featuring seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms. You’ll not only enjoy a fantastic meal but also directly support local farmers. Keep an eye on your favorite dining spots to see if they’re joining the fun.
Get Crafty with a Community Quilt
In some places, like Quincy, you might find a creative twist on the celebration. Join in by designing your quilt block at a community event, which may be raffled off for a good cause. This hands-on activity brings people together and supports both farming and local community projects, like Special Olympics teams.
Volunteer at a Farm
Feeling adventurous? Consider spending part of the day volunteering at a farm. Some farms welcome extra hands during planting or harvest seasons. It’s a great opportunity to get a bit dirty, learn something new, and gain firsthand experience in how food makes its way from field to fork.