Every August 6th is observed as Farmworker Appreciation Day. This is a holiday that seeks to raise the public’s awareness about the importance of the work done by farmworkers through a campaign of appreciation for their work.

The average agricultural worker works have almost two decades of experience on a U.S. farm and they work approximately 39 weeks a year in this field. Their work directly supports the $1.3+ trillion U.S. agricultural industry and without their valuable labor, none of us would have the fruits, veggies, and meats that we rely on for our daily sustenance.

That alone seems like a worthy reason to support agricultural workers and give them thanks on this holiday.

The History Of Farmworker Appreciation Day

This holiday can be traced back decades, all the way back to the 1960s, in fact. This is when a group of Filipino farmworkers in California went on strike against poor working conditions and low wages.

This strike would last for several years but would lead to the formation of the United Farm Workers (UFW) Union. These groups would advocate for the rights of farmworkers and help to improve working conditions for thousands of farm laborers.

In 1966, the UFW would create and celebrated Farmworkers Appreciation Day for the first time. However, that celebration would be observed in September of that year. It was observed on the feast day of Our Lady of Mercy — which just so happens to be the patron saint of farmers and farmhands.

In 1994, U.S. President Bill Clinton would sign a proclamation that would designate August 6th as National Farmworkers Appreciation Day.

Observing Farmworker Appreciation Day

This is a holiday that’s dedicated to thanking the farmworkers that make huge contributions to the world’s food supply. It’s a day to thank farmworkers for all of this hard work. Since we understand that not everyone has the opportunity to thank these farmworkers in person, people willing to celebrate this day can thank them through the Internet using the hashtag #FarmworkerAppreciationDay.

Of course, one of the biggest “thanks” that people can give farmworkers is to support them as they continue to fight for better working conditions and wages. This can be done by contacting politicians and letting them know that the welfare of farmworkers is important. This is probably the biggest thanks anyone, anywhere can give a farm worker.

The sooner we realize that farmworkers are extremely important to our way of life, the sooner we can make sure that they are given the support they deserve. And Farmworker Appreciation Day is a great way for people to start that journey.