The need for housing in California could force Central Coast farmers out of business. According to USDA ag census data, 95% of California’s farms are family-owned. Aging out is a threat, along with the need to develop new housing. According to KSBY, the State Department of Housing and Development mandated Santa Barbara County identify potential areas for more than 5,000 new housing units in unincorporated county areas. The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors recently voted to rezone 25 sites in Santa Barbara County to accommodate housing needs.
