As the sun rises over America’s farmlands, a nationwide movement stirs to honor the hands that feed our nation. National Farmworker Awareness Week (March 25-31) begins today, highlighting the critical contributions of approximately 2.5-3 million farmworkers across the United States who harvest 85% of our fresh produce. These essential workers, present in every state, remain largely invisible despite their fundamental role in our food system.
Farm work ranks among America’s most hazardous occupations, with workers facing extraordinary risks that remain hidden from most consumers. Farmworkers suffer the highest rates of toxic chemical injuries of any occupation in the United States, with exposure to pesticides and other agricultural chemicals leading to severe acute and chronic health conditions. Heat stress, dermatitis, urinary tract infections, parasitic infections, and tuberculosis occur at significantly higher rates among farmworkers than other wage-earners.
Legal Inequities and the Vulnerability of Farmworkers
Compounding these physical dangers are the historical legal inequities that continue to impact the farmworker community. Unlike most American workers, farmworkers were explicitly excluded from major federal labor protections established in the 1930s. Even with amendments to the Fair Labor Standards Act in 1978 that mandated minimum wage for workers on large farms, farmworkers still lack guaranteed overtime pay, unemployment insurance, and even basic protections when organizing for better conditions. These legal disparities have created a workforce that remains vulnerable to exploitation despite their essential role in America’s food security.
Advocating for Change: SAF’s Week of Awareness
Throughout the week, SAF is coordinating diverse advocacy activities across the country, providing resources and support for students and community members to organize impactful actions. “As an educator who is a former farmworker, celebrating NFAW gives me an opportunity to advocate for farmworkers and to encourage my students, all of whom are migrant students, to take action,” shares Alma Young from Valdosta State University CAMP, highlighting the personal significance of this awareness campaign.
Solidarity and Education: Activities and Events
The array of planned activities includes rallies and marches in solidarity with farmworker-led campaigns, creating visible public support for agricultural workers’ rights. Many college campuses and community centers will host film screenings and documentaries about farmworker experiences, followed by facilitated discussions that deepen understanding of the complex issues facing this vital workforce. These educational events provide essential context for participants new to farmworker advocacy.
Amplifying Farmworkers’ Voices Through Social Media and Drives
Social media campaigns will amplify farmworkers’ stories and advocacy messages throughout the week, with SAF providing comprehensive toolkits to guide digital engagement for those seeking tangible ways to support farmworkers; clothing and supply drives are being organized to collect long-sleeve shirts (which provide protection from pesticides and sun exposure) and hygiene kits. Some communities are participating in the César Chávez Blood Drive Challenge, honoring the legacy of the renowned farmworker rights activist.
Educational Initiatives and Direct Farmworker Voices
Educational initiatives form another cornerstone of the week’s activities, with teach-ins and presentations using SAF-provided materials to educate communities about farmworker realities. Perhaps most powerful are the panel discussions featuring farmworkers themselves, creating spaces where agricultural workers can directly share their experiences with campus and community audiences. These firsthand accounts provide crucial perspectives that statistics alone cannot convey, humanizing the ongoing struggle for fair treatment and dignity in America’s fields.
