Advocacy Priorities and Initiatives

Building on the foundational work of the Farmer Housing Working Group (2022-2024), and with their support as an advisory committee, we are focused on empowering farmers, strengthening local housing policies, and expanding access to safe, affordable housing for farmworkers. Through these efforts, we aim to equip farmers with the knowledge and tools to influence policy, ensure the availability of affordable housing for farmworkers, and support sustainable agricultural communities across New York State. Our priorities for 2026-2027 include:

Empowering Farmers as Advocates

Recruit and train farmers through an inaugural advocacy fellowship, giving them hands-on experience in local and state policy.
Provide opportunities for farmers to engage with local governments, meet with state legislators, and participate in policy hearings.
Develop a bilingual capacity to ensure Spanish-speaking farmers can fully participate in advocacy and leadership opportunities.

Advancing Local Housing Policy

Support municipalities in creating and implementing community housing and preservation funds that protect farmland while addressing farmworker housing needs.
Collaborate with local leaders, attorneys, and organizations to draft and advocate for ordinances that make municipal funds accessible for agricultural housing projects.
Identify municipalities most open to innovative housing solutions and build coalitions to sustain long-term local impact.

Engaging in State Policy and Budget Advocacy

Educate farmers on how the state budget process works and how to effectively advocate funding for farmworker housing programs.
Advocate for programs that increase funding availability and flexibility, including opportunities for new construction and off-farm housing projects.
Submit coordinated requests and testimonies to the Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) and other state agencies to ensure funding supports agricultural communities.

Leveraging Federal and Regional Opportunities

Monitor and advocate for federal programs, such as Community Development Block Grants and USDA Rural Development programs, to secure resources for farmworker housing.
Partner with regional agencies and organizations to identify opportunities, submit proposals, and ensure farmer housing priorities are included in broader funding initiatives.

Building Partnerships and Knowledge

Continue collaboration with organizations such as Scenic Hudson, American Farmland Trust, and local housing coalitions to strengthen policy and programmatic impact.
Share knowledge, resources, and best practices from other states and regions to enhance local advocacy strategies.
Conduct landscape analyses and surveys to understand municipal and state-level appetite for housing and preservation initiatives.