Emerging Issue: Seasonal Farm Worker Housing

The agriculture industry employs a substantial number of seasonal farm workers in planting, cultivating, harvesting and packaging of the many labor-intensive crops grown in Michigan. Good housing is an essential element in securing an adequate supply of seasonal agricultural workers. Migrant housing exists throughout Michigan’s Lower Peninsula at approximately 870 licensed housing sites, including 4,000 living units with a total capacity for 23,000 persons. Current law requires annual licensing of sites occupied or used as living quarters for five or more migratory laborers engaged in agricultural activities, including related food processing. 

From 2017 to 2021, the number of licensed units stayed within the range of 811 to 881, but that number jumped to 980 in 2022, due to increased use of the H-2A program. 

The Migrant Labor Housing Advisory Board serves in an advisory capacity to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and has not met since April 2022, but identified a significant need for additional housing and financing for renovation projects. 

Further, USDA Rural Development provides low interest loans to eligible borrowers to develop or rehabilitate affordable rental housing for very-low income domestic, migrant, and seasonal farm workers. Borrowers must not otherwise be able to get commercial credit. 

MDARD offers the Rural Development Fund grant opportunity to promote the sustainability of land-based industries and support infrastructure that benefits rural communities. This has in the past included seasonal worker housing, but funding has not been available recently for this purpose. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority has greater funding resources but is currently restricted from lending in rural areas. Michigan’s state housing plan identifies an important need for rural workforce housing, including for farms and agricultural processors. 

Thoughts to consider  

• What incentives or tools (e.g., grants, loans, other programs) do growers need to build, purchase, or improve farm worker housing?  
• In 2022 the MDARD Migrant Labor Housing Advisory Board recommended $50 million in grants to address housing needs. 
• How could federal, state, or local government help? 

Policy references 

MFB Policy #50, Employer Provided Housing  

MFB Policy #53, Labor Housing Zoning   

Additional resources 

 MDARD Migrant Labor Housing