Governor Gavin Newsom has officially proclaimed August 26, 2026, as "California Farmworker Day," recognizing the enduring contributions and sacrifices of farmworkers throughout the state's history.
The proclamation highlights the perseverance and resilience of farmworker families, whose labor and heritage have shaped California's agricultural fields for generations. These workers endured grueling conditions, discrimination, and exploitation while building lives and creating opportunities. The document acknowledges the pivotal movement for fair wages, safer working conditions, and dignity led by figures such as Larry Itliong, Dolores Huerta, and Philip Vera Cruz.
Newsom emphasized that this legacy of courage continues today, with farmworkers facing extreme heat and difficult conditions, further compounded by aggressive federal immigration actions. "We owe farmworkers a profound debt of gratitude — but their courage deserves more. It demands a commitment to stand with them, to support them as they have always supported us," Governor Newsom said.
California remains committed to supporting farmworkers and their families, regardless of immigration status, by strengthening workplace protections, providing critical resources, and advocating for a pathway to citizenship. The proclamation honors not just their labor, but also their heritage, sacrifices, and the movement they built, ensuring they receive the dignity, security, and opportunity they have earned.