The Pandemic Real Estate Boom Is Driving Up The Costs Of Farmland -- And Pricing Farmers Of Color Out

A red barn and scenic route 9G in the Hudson River Valley, NY.

Small farmers have faced challenges acquiring land for decades. That's especially true for farmers of color, who own just two percent of farm businesses across the country. Now, the pandemic has made those problems worse.

Demand for housing in rural areas has soared. That's driven up the cost of farmland outside of New York City, and is pricing farmers out. Greta Moran is a senior reporter covering this issue for the website Civil Eats. Dr. Gabriella Pereyra is the co-director of the Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust.

They spoke with WNYC's Michael Hill. 

Click "Listen" in the player above to hear the conversation.