Today is National Farmer’s Day – a time to honor and thank farmers for all of their hard work year round growing the healthy, delicious foods we need and love! This day is celebrated in October at the end of harvest season, when farmers can measure their success for the year and send their bounty to market for enjoyment by consumers around the world.
Farming is one of the oldest professions on Earth, dating to around 12,000 years ago. Then and now, farmers have worked tirelessly to grow food for themselves and others. Farming isn’t a 9-to-5 job, it’s a way of life. It, of course, requires an investment of money and time, hard work, special equipment and technical knowledge. But, perhaps more importantly, it requires passion – passion for growing food, but also passion for playing an important role in our larger food system.
The California Almond community is driven by family farmers. According to the most recent USDA Agricultural Census, there are around 6,800 California almond farms. Over 90% of these are family farms, many owned and operated by third- and fourth-generation farmers who live on the land and plan to pass it down to their children and grandchildren.1
Nearly 75% of California Almond farms are 100 acres or less,2 but small or large, California’s almond farmers work hard to take a long-term view of success based on appreciation for the land and its local communities.
Located in a climate ideally suited for almond production and growing 80% of the world’s supply, our farmers also have a deep respect for the land and are committed to responsible farming practices.
The almond community recognizes the need to carefully manage resources for current and future generations, and protect their families, neighbors, local communities and the environment.
Take a second today to thank a farmer!
