Billionaire Bill Gates has recently won the right to purchase millions of dollars worth of untouched farmland in North Dakota, sparking outrage from residents. Although the law prohibits corporations from owning farmland or ranch space, trusts can own land and lease it to farmers, which is Gates' intention. Gates is now considered the largest private owner of farmland in the entire United States.
Local Republicans are concerned about Gates' and other wealthy individuals' purchases of land in their state, fearing that they will not uphold the values shared by most North Dakota residents. Gates' plan is to lease the land to potato growers, with no intention of building on it or using it for any purpose other than farming. The situation highlights the significant challenge small farmers and ranchers face when competing against influential money interests in the United States, and there is a growing call to question the fairness of outdated laws that allow billionaires to buy up massive amounts of land at the expense of small farmers and ranchers.
Local Republicans are concerned about Gates' and other wealthy individuals' purchases of land in their state, fearing that they will not uphold the values shared by most North Dakota residents. Gates' plan is to lease the land to potato growers, with no intention of building on it or using it for any purpose other than farming. The situation highlights the significant challenge small farmers and ranchers face when competing against influential money interests in the United States, and there is a growing call to question the fairness of outdated laws that allow billionaires to buy up massive amounts of land at the expense of small farmers and ranchers.
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