Land Access and Land Use Topic Exchange Discusses Housing for Farms

This past week, members of Farm to Plate’s Land Access and Land Use Topic Exchange met at Lareau Farm and Flatbread in Waitsfield to discuss housing. George Schenk, farm and business owner, led a farm tour and discussed some of the challenges and creative ways that he is addressing employee housing. Dan Baker of UVM Extension and the Department of Community Development and Applied Economics shared details of a high demand farmworker housing repair loan program facilitated in collaboration with Champlain Housing Trust and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. Stacy Cibula, Agricultural Programs Director for the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board shared how VHCB is collaborating with land trusts and others to conserve farmland. The challenges are immense and we just scratched the surface. This Topic Exchange meets on a quarterly basis to discuss issues and deepen connections for those interested in land use.

Questions or interested in joining a future meeting? Please contact Farm to Plate’s Network  Manager, Kelly Dolan: kellydolan@vsjf.org