In Loving Memory of Dan Donahue

In Farmer Dan's 77 years, he touched a lot of lives and we’re hoping that together we can raise $10,000 so that we can properly inter his ashes at Congressional Cemetery on his beloved Capitol Hill.

Many people know Farmer Dan. As the face and owner of Agora Farms, he was an institution from 1989 until 2023 at Washington DC’s Eastern Market—providing Amish produce, baked goods, peanut butter, lemonade, bad jokes, and good conversation.

Before Eastern Market, Dan Donahue was a decorated Vietnam Veteran, entrepreneur, landscaper, and avid gardener. After joining the Navy in 1964, he graduated from the Navy Field’s Medical School and served in the Third Marine Infantry Division, which played a central role in the 1968 Tet Offensive. He was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star, and received many other honors.

His path to Eastern Market started with a brief stationing at the Bethesda Naval Hospital. When Dan was honorably discharged, he decided to “come back to Washington, because it was a sleepy little town.” He and a few friends rented a row house on Capitol Hill from a senator they dubbed “Transylvania Hotel.” Later he founded a landscaping business and got involved in the Capitol Hill Garden Club.

Dan first sold tulip bulbs at Eastern Market to raise money for the Garden Club, and then in 1989 he started selling plants he’d grown from his own business. This expanded to truck farming fresh produce, eggs, honey, cheeses, and yogurt from Lancaster and Adams County Pennsylvania. Dan became a regular at several other farmers markets, including on the campuses of American University and the Department of Health & Human Services.

Dan was a character, in all the best ways. He regularly gave back to the community, including donating fresh food to the Capitol Hill United Methodist Church food kitchen for many years. In addition to charming many people with his warm heart and quirky jokes, Dan loved dogs—ensuring there always was fresh water at his Agora Farms market stand for thirsty canine companions.

Dan was also a mentor and friend to many in the farmers market world. He freely shared his knowledge of customers, the markets, seasonal produce, and terrible jokes and puns to anyone who stopped and listened.

He is survived by his sister, Patricia, several nieces and nephews, and his former wife, Susan.

There will be a service to celebrate Dan’s life at Capitol Hill United Methodist Church on Monday, October 13 at 11am. The church is located at 421 Seward Square SE, Washington, DC.