FARMER HOUSING WORKING GROUP
working towards developing farmer housing in the Hudson Valley
We need farming housing.
The Hudson Valley is experiencing a housing crisis that affects all working people, with unique and profound impacts on small farms. With workers unable to find housing, and farms unable to find and retain workers, small farms are downsizing, reducing productivity, or shuttering altogether. These extraordinary pressures, on top of the normal risks and challenges of farming, put the agricultural nature of our region in serious question. Will the Hudson Valley keep its farms and retain its rural character? Or will high pricing pressures continue to push farmers and farm workers out of the region or out of their vocation?
The answer will depend on whether or not we respond in time to establish dedicated, affordable farmer housing.
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The Farmer Housing Working Group was convened to advocate for this critical need. On this website, you'll find the results of our efforts to date. Read the results of our Farmer Housing Needs Survey, watch our recorded Community Learning Series Sessions, or explore our emerging support network—then get in touch to support our efforts!
FARMER HOUSING NEEDS SURVEY RESULTS
The Working Group conducted a Farmer Housing Needs Survey, October–December 2022, to ask 40 farm managers and 40 farm workers about the impact of the housing crisis, their current housing status, and what kind of housing would best support their needs. The results are summarized below in four key categories:
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Survey Demographics and Current Housing Status
Left half "who are the farms?" 30 vegetable, herb, and flower farms, and 10 or fewer meat/eggs, mushrooms, forest products, nursery and orchard crops, and value-added products. One third each non-profit, single member, and multi-member businesses. 82% have hired staff. Right side "who are the workers?" Average 3–5 years farming, 82% full time, 15 of 40 intend to start their own farm.
Breakdowns by gender, race, formal education, and other marginalized statuses show a diverse set of responses that skews female, white, college-educated, and LGBTQIA+.
A significant number of farm workers lack stable housing (place to stay for 3+ months). Most are living in rental apartments or in family houses. Ownership and employer-provided housing are rare. Only 6% live on-site. 70% live within 30 minutes of work.
Left half "who are the farms?" 30 vegetable, herb, and flower farms, and 10 or fewer meat/eggs, mushrooms, forest products, nursery and orchard crops, and value-added products. One third each non-profit, single member, and multi-member businesses. 82% have hired staff. Right side "who are the workers?" Average 3–5 years farming, 82% full time, 15 of 40 intend to start their own farm.
Impact of the Housing Crisis
Substantial impact on a majority of workers, with 45% citing housing as a "major issue" and 20% as "most urgent issue." 5 of 10 say housing is a moderate concern for their future in agriculture. 4 of 10 say they are considering leaving the field because of housing difficulties. 5 of 7 who said they were leaving the region cited cost as a significant factor.
Worker housing struggles are having a substantial impact on the majority of farms: 62% say it's a "major issue" and 10% say it's "most urgent issue." 50% of respondents have had a crew member leave work after starting due to housing changes or pressures. 60% have had applicants turn down a position due to inability to find housing.
Selected quotations: Downsizing: "Lack of affordable housing and our inability to pay wages high enough for market rents was a major factor in our decision to take a hiatus from hiring staff next season." Barriers to new business: "I am trying to find farmers to lease land on my property but housing is a major obstacle."
Substantial impact on a majority of workers, with 45% citing housing as a "major issue" and 20% as "most urgent issue." 5 of 10 say housing is a moderate concern for their future in agriculture. 4 of 10 say they are considering leaving the field because of housing difficulties. 5 of 7 who said they were leaving the region cited cost as a significant factor.
Potential for On-Farm vs. Centralized Housing
73% of respondents support pursuing development of centralized housing for workers at multiple farms, such as development of townhouses or apartments. 61% want support for development of permanent or mobile housing on land they own or rent. 53% want business planning support to raise wages on their farm 32% want us to coordinate with school and college campuses to provide dorm-style housing May–August.
Centralized housing could take many forms, including developing apartment-style, dorm-style, townhouse, or tiny/mobile home site(s) centrally located to a number of farms that need housing. 68% of respondents believe centralized housing would benefit their farm. 72% are "interested" or "very interested" in learning more.
Advocacy and coalition building, stop-gap fundraising/emergency aid, tiny house building and rental, short-term housing in school dorms, and tenant-landlord matchmaking.
73% of respondents support pursuing development of centralized housing for workers at multiple farms, such as development of townhouses or apartments. 61% want support for development of permanent or mobile housing on land they own or rent. 53% want business planning support to raise wages on their farm 32% want us to coordinate with school and college campuses to provide dorm-style housing May–August.
What Type of Housing is Needed?
A header summarizes the data: "Renting and owning are both ok. Preference for low-density housing. Small household sized." Below are three graphics. The first details "acceptable tenure"—over 75% of respondents affirm ownership or lease. The second details "acceptable type," with all respondents affirming single-family home, two thirds for duplex, about 55% for buildings with 3 to 5 units or tiny homes, and 47% for buildings of 10 or more units. The last is household size, mostly 1 or 2 people.
The header summarizes "Unanimous preference for rural setting! Preferred counties align with density of small farms." First graph details acceptable settings: rural 98%, town center 83%, urban edge 75%, and urban center 47%. Second details where people farm now, with most responses for Dutchess, Columbia, and Ulster counties. Last graph details where respondents would live and has high responses for all Hudson Valley counties listed.
Mostly 1 and 2-bedroom quality rental housing, plus a smaller amount of 3 bedroom ownership opportunities, in rural settings inthe mid-Hudson Valley counties. Rental housing should cost $850 to $1450 per unit and account for a 20% vacancy rate. And of course, pet-friendly and "laundry is a must."
A header summarizes the data: "Renting and owning are both ok. Preference for low-density housing. Small household sized." Below are three graphics. The first details "acceptable tenure"—over 75% of respondents affirm ownership or lease. The second details "acceptable type," with all respondents affirming single-family home, two thirds for duplex, about 55% for buildings with 3 to 5 units or tiny homes, and 47% for buildings of 10 or more units. The last is household size, mostly 1 or 2 people.