Nonfarmers

A nonfarmer is an individual or entity that does not engage in the primary production of agricultural products. This broadly encompasses people whose livelihoods and activities are not centered on cultivating land, raising livestock, or harvesting crops for commercial purposes. While farmers are directly involved in the agricultural supply chain from the ground up, nonfarmers typically interact with agriculture in other capacities or in entirely different sectors of the economy.

This category includes a vast range of occupations and lifestyles. For instance, urban dwellers who live and work in cities, often in professions like technology, healthcare, education, or finance, are generally considered nonfarmers. Similarly, individuals in suburban areas whose primary focus is on non-agricultural employment are also nonfarmers. Even those who own land and might have a small garden for personal use are not typically classified as farmers unless it is a significant, commercial endeavor.

Nonfarmers contribute to the economy and society in numerous ways that are distinct from agricultural production. They might be consumers of agricultural products, purchasing food and fiber from farmers and distributors. They could be involved in industries that support agriculture indirectly, such as manufacturing farm equipment, providing financial services to agricultural businesses, or working in food processing and retail. The term "nonfarmer" serves to distinguish those whose primary economic activity lies outside of the agricultural sector.