Building Equity for Yolo County’s Ag Workforce
What if Yolo County’s farmworkers had affordable housing near their jobs, a chance to build equity in their homes, and the dignity and security to raise families in a healthy community?
Casagraria is an emerging community land trust serving rural Yolo County to:
- Create affordable homes on & near working farms
- Build equity for farmworkers & underserved farmers
- Improve land & community health
New and beginning farmers have reported for decades that access to affordable land with housing is one of two top barriers to entry and success. Farmland prices have continued to increase steadily over the past several decades, while net farm incomes have not. Rural lands are increasingly being sold to absentee owners.
- More than 9 in 10 Yolo County farmworkers were born outside the US (92% of individuals surveyed)
- Migrant worker programs/resources are not applicable to the 96% of workers surveyed who live in the region permanently.
- Median annual income is $20k, and 41% pay over half of their wages toward housing.
- 81% say they need better pay.
- The assessment concluded that farmworkers need permanent affordable housing they can own.
The Casagraria pilot project ‘Casas Capay Valley’ begins with 6-8 Capay Valley* families employed at Full Belly Farm. It can be replicated in partnership with other farms in Yolo County and beyond.
- Community Land Trusts are nonprofit organizations that hold land for affordable housing and other community benefits.
- Priority residents (low-income or otherwise disenfranchised community members) would hold lifetime leases and own their homes/improvements.
- This model creates stability and equity for farmers and farmworkers, and promotes healthy land stewardship and local economies.
Collaborators & Supporters
- Full Belly Farm
- Sacramento Community Land Trust
- CA Community Land Trust Network
- RISE, Inc.
- Rural Community Assistance Corp
- California FarmLink
- Agrarian Trust
- National Housing Law Project
- Community Alliance Family Farmers
- Yolo Housing Authority
- Yolo County Planning Department
- LIFT Economy
Contact: Paul Muller or Kendra Johnson
*For thousands of years, this land has been the home of Patwin people, including the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation today. The Patwin people have remained committed to the stewardship of this land over many centuries. It has been cherished and protected, as elders have instructed the young through generations. We are honored and grateful to be working here today on their traditional lands.
