January 27, 2025

Press Releases

Farm Worker Housing Loan Funds Available in New York

Timber

POTSDAM, NEW YORK — Farm Credit East is currently accepting applications for farm worker housing construction and improvement loans from the New York State Farm Worker Housing (FWH) Loan Program. A limited pool of loan funds is now available to fund new projects. These loans are available to New York agricultural producers, including fruit, vegetable, greenhouse and nursery, equine, and dairy operations.

“The New York State Farm Worker Housing loan program has been a tremendous tool for farms seeking to build or improve housing for their farm laborers,” said Mike Haycook, Farm Credit East Regional Credit Leader and coordinator of the NYS FWH program. 

The FWH loan program is administered by Farm Credit East in partnership with New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). Funding is available for no-interest loans to help finance improvement of existing housing or the construction/purchase of new housing for farm workers. It is anticipated that Farm Credit East will be accepting applications for the FWH loan program on a first-come, first-serve basis through the end of February 2025.

Agricultural producers may apply to borrow up to $200,000 per year for farm worker housing projects. The program is administered as a revolving loan fund, with loan repayments made by the borrowers applied to the balance of available funds. An upfront, one-time fee is applied to cover administrative costs. There are no other fees or interest applied for the term of the loan. The loan is repaid in equal, annual principal payments. The loan term may not exceed 10 years.

Applicants must demonstrate the need to improve seasonal or year-round farm worker housing, which they own or operate, in order for the housing to comply with the applicable state building and health codes or to construct new seasonal or year-round farm worker housing. The funds cannot be used for housing for the farm owner’s family.

To apply for a loan, contact your local Farm Credit East office (see FarmCreditEast.com for office locations). Agricultural producers may apply through the end of February; however, funding is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

###

Tags: economy, loan, financing