Jasper Hill Farm Faces Dual Challenges Amidst Tariffs and Housing Crisis
Greensboro, VT – Jasper Hill Farm, co-founded by brothers Mateo and Andy Kehler in 1998, has become a hallmark of Vermont’s artisanal cheese industry, gaining numerous accolades including Best American Cheese and gold medals at prestigious cheese awards. Employing 85 residents, the farm has contributed significantly to the local economy. However, it now faces considerable challenges: the loss of Canadian markets due to tariffs imposed by former President Trump and a severe housing crisis affecting its workforce.
In the wake of these tariffs, Jasper Hill’s anticipated sales to Canada plummeted from nearly $1 million to virtually zero, forcing Kehler to confront the devastating impact on small businesses in border towns. “It’s been a disaster,” he commented regarding the abrupt drop in sales.
Compounding this financial strain is Greensboro’s housing crunch. With a high rate of second-homeownership and escalating real estate prices, finding affordable housing has become increasingly difficult for the farm’s employees. To combat this, Jasper Hill has invested in 11 properties, providing subsidized housing to staff members struggling to find accommodation.
Despite the pressing need for affordable housing, residents recently rejected a proposal to transform the town hall into 20 units of low-cost housing, a decision Kehler described as “soul crushing.” He expressed concern over the future sustainability of the community, noting, “Greensboro has lost its capacity to replicate itself,” as families with children become increasingly rare.
Kehler is now advocating for broader housing initiatives across Vermont, emphasizing a need for multi-unit developments rather than traditional single-family homes. “The days of single-family homes in remote locations are over,” he asserted, pushing for a future where communities can thrive, attracting young residents and maintaining necessary local services.
————————————————————————
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
————————————————————————
