Gov. Doug Burgum (R-ND)
BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum wants amendments to North Dakota’s Anti-Corporate Farming Law, arguing that certain rules make it harder to boost livestock production, but advocates for smaller producers worry about potential ripple effects.
The state law in question, in place for 90 years, doesn’t allow corporations to purchase agricultural property. The idea has been to protect family farms.
The governor proposes lifting ownership restrictions dealing with livestock.
Former state Agriculture Commissioner Sarah Vogel feels changes would result in corporations wiping out the socioeconomic fabric of smaller communities:
“When a corporation buys farmland, they might be bringing their supplies in by semi-truck owned by another subsidiary of the same corporation,” Vogel said. “Towns where corporate farms dominate, you see those small businesses die and wither.”
Vogel said farmers can obtain more land for livestock production by coming together to form cooperatives.
A statement from the governor’s office said aside from seeking amendments for ranches, the rest of the law would remain intact.
In 2016, voters rejected moves by the Legislature to relax some elements of the law.
Comments