The purchase of approximately two thousand acres of North Dakota farmland by a trust associated with Bill Gates has ignited debate and concern among locals and state officials.
Bill Gates is known for being the largest private owner of farmland in the United States with holdings that include about 269,000 acres across numerous states. The recent purchase in North Dakota by Red River Trust, which involved a $13.5 million transaction with Campbell Farms, a prominent local farming operation, has prompted scrutiny under the state’s stringent anti-corporate farming laws.
North Dakota’s Attorney General has intervened, requesting that the trust clarify its intentions for the use of the land to ensure compliance with state laws. The outcome of this review will determine whether the trust may retain ownership of the land or will need to divest.
This issue has also touched on political sensitivities, with North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, who previously received campaign contributions from Gates, refraining from commenting directly on the sale but expressing general support for reducing regulatory burdens on local farmers to enhance competitiveness.
This situation reflects broader tensions over corporate ownership of farmland in the U.S., a topic that resonates deeply in states like North Dakota where agriculture is a pivotal part of the local economy and community identity.