Farmers' Consumer Awareness Day – September 12, 2026

Farmers' Consumer Awareness Day
Categories:
Tags:
AwarenessEnvironmentWork
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Second Saturday of September
Holiday emoji:
🧑‍🌾

Farmers’ Consumer Awareness Day arrives every second Saturday of September, inviting the public to delve into the vital world of agriculture. Discover the hard work and dedication behind our food supply through engaging farm tours, equipment displays, and educational exhibits. Support local farmers and learn more about sustainable practices in your community.

Want to sponsor Farmers' Consumer Awareness Day? Learn how

History of Farmers' Consumer Awareness Day

It all began in 1981 when Paul Harvey was recounting an occurrence on the radio. It was about a woman who confronts the grocer about the seemingly high cost of food items. Knowing nothing about farming, she couldn’t imagine the great and wonderful jobs that farmers did.

Quincy farmer Dennis Higashiyama was listening that day, and he immediately took action. It was apparent that most consumers were far separated from the farmers, and they have no idea where their food comes from. They do not know the work that goes into farming. And they do not know about the special people behind agriculture.

Dennis Higashiyama thought of a way to bring the farmer closer to the public. Hence, Farmers’ Consumer Awareness Day was born to that effect. It was initiated out of the desire to make the public see farmers as they truly are.

The holiday has been successful in bringing people together to celebrate the importance of farmers. But it is also a very fun holiday, and several activities were added to the celebration.

Farmers' Consumer Awareness Day timeline

7000 B.C.
Beginning of Farming

Humans begin to grow crops for food.

5500 B.C.
Agriculture Intensifies

The earliest civilization of agriculture begins with the Sumerians.

1492
Transatlantic Exchange of Plants

There is a widespread of crops and other agricultural products available.

1981
First Farmers' Consumer Awareness Day

Dennis Higashiyama organizes a celebration of agriculture, where farmers and consumers are all present.

Farmers' Consumer Awareness Day FAQs

When is Farmers' Consumer Awareness Day?

Farmers’ Consumer Awareness Day 2026 falls on Saturday, September 12. This annual observance is a fantastic opportunity to connect directly with the agricultural community.

How many farmers are in the U.S.?

According to the USDA’s 2022 Census of Agriculture, there are approximately 3.4 million farmers across 1.9 million farms in the United States. This day helps to highlight their collective efforts.

What is the economic impact of agriculture in the U.S.?

Agriculture and related industries contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, accounting for roughly $1.4 trillion in economic output and supporting millions of jobs annually. This day helps consumers appreciate that vast contribution.

How does Farmers' Consumer Awareness Day connect consumers to agriculture?

This day connects consumers by offering direct access to farmers through tours, educational exhibits, and farmers’ markets. It demystifies the farming process, allowing the public to see firsthand where their food comes from and the challenges faced by producers.

How To Celebrate Farmers' Consumer Awareness Day

  1. Visit a farm

    You can join the main event organized in Quincy. If you're far away, you can visit a farm close to you and try to get some insight into farming.

  2. Appreciate the farmers

    It is the farmers that plant and produce the food that we eat. They're our heroes and they deserve respect and appreciation.

  3. Start a farm of your own

    You can easily do some research and start your own farm. It doesn't have to be anything big.

5 Interesting Facts About Farming

  1. There are millions of farmlands in the U.S.

    There are an estimated two million farms in the U.S. alone.

  2. Importance of family farms

    Family farms account for more than 50% of farm produce.

  3. One U.S. farmer for more than 150 people

    A single farmer can feed more than 150 people.

  4. Top three food suppliers

    The U.S. is the third-highest food supplier throughout the whole world.

  5. More farmers are needed

    As the world population grows, so does the need for more farmers.

Why We Love Farmers' Consumer Awareness Day

  1. Farmers are important

    Farmers' Consumer Awareness Day helps to create more awareness regarding the importance of farmers.

  2. Farming is fun

    This celebration helps us to witness the joys of farming. Farming is very interesting.

  3. Know what you eat

    It is good to know the source of our groceries. Also, it is very interesting to hear from the farmers themselves.

Farmers' Consumer Awareness Day dates

Year Date Day
2025 September 13 Saturday
2026 September 12 Saturday