Bill Gates' purchase of a large patch of land in North Dakota has sparked fury and conspiracy theories on social media after the Microsoft billionaire secured legal approval to purchase the 2,100 acres of farmland in the state last week.
Having already amassed nearly 270,000 acres of farmland across the country, Gates, who is one of the richest men in the world, is the largest private owner of farmland in America.
On June 30, Gates won the approval of the North Dakota Attorney General to buy the farmland for $13.5 million from potato growers Campbell Farms in the northeast of the state.
The state's Republican Attorney General Drew Wrigley said that the takeover complies with a Depression-era law meant to protect family farms because the land was being leased back to farmers.
North Dakota's Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring had previously told local station KFYR-TV that locals were livid at the news and people across the state were "upset." Newsweek has reached out to Goehring for comment.
The developments have also spurred fury and questioning on social media.
Charlie Kirk, founder and president of Turning Point USA, a conservative student movement, tweeted: "Bill Gates just bought 2,100 acres of farmland in North Dakota, adding to the 270,000 acres he inexplicably owns throughout the US. China also just bought 300 acres there, adding to the 192,000 acres of US Soil in their portfolio ...and no one seems to care. Why do we allow this?"
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) July 6, 2022Bill Gates just bought 2,100 acres of farmland in North Dakota, adding to the 270,000 acres he inexplicably owns throughout the US
China also just bought 300 acres there, adding to the 192,000 acres of US Soil in their portfolio
…and no one seems to care
Why do we allow this?
Kirk is referring to Fufeng Group, a bio-fermentation manufacturer based in Shandong, China, who said last fall that it would be buying some 300 acres of farmland in North Forks, North Dakota farmland.
Responding to the news about Gates buying farmland, Jeffrey Ventre, a training psychiatrist, tweeted: "Bill Gates just won legal approval to buy 2,100 acres of North Dakota farmland worth $13.5M.
"This isn't the 1st time; he's amassed nearly 270k acres of farmland & is already the largest private owner of farmland in America #LateStageCapitalism #systemfail"
"This can't be good. He's all about reducing the population and playing god. Don't trust," Twitter user Mtaylor tweeted.
The Conservative Tree House, a blog that has regularly reported on unfounded conspiracy theories, questioned why "an entrenched climate change ideologue who wants to change food production" would be purchasing more than a quarter of a million acres of farmland.
Farmland is often a sought-after asset that increases in value because that there is a constant demand for food and produce grown on the land.
Newsweek has reached out to the North Dakota attorney general's office and governor's office for comment.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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As a seasoned expert with a comprehensive understanding of land acquisitions, agricultural policies, and the economic implications of large-scale land ownership, it's crucial to delve into the details surrounding Bill Gates' recent purchase of 2,100 acres of farmland in North Dakota. My expertise is rooted in a deep knowledge of the dynamics involved in such transactions and the broader context of agricultural land ownership in the United States.
First and foremost, Bill Gates' acquisition is part of a broader trend where high-net-worth individuals, including tech moguls, have been investing significantly in American farmland. Gates, being one of the wealthiest individuals globally, has strategically expanded his farmland portfolio, making him the largest private owner of farmland in the country with nearly 270,000 acres.
The legal approval granted by North Dakota's Attorney General, Drew Wrigley, is noteworthy. The approval was based on adherence to a Depression-era law designed to protect family farms. According to Wrigley, this compliance was established as the land was being leased back to farmers. This legal framework is essential for understanding the context in which such transactions occur and the regulatory measures in place to safeguard the interests of local farming communities.
The controversy and conspiracy theories sparked on social media, as exemplified by Charlie Kirk's tweet, shed light on public sentiment and concerns regarding concentrated land ownership. Kirk's mention of China's acquisition of 300 acres in the same region adds another layer to the discussion. This refers to Fufeng Group, a Chinese bio-fermentation manufacturer, which had announced its intention to purchase farmland in North Forks, North Dakota.
The tweet by Jeffrey Ventre, a training psychiatrist, reflects public skepticism and apprehension about Gates' extensive land holdings, expressing concern about his motivations and potential impact on population dynamics. It highlights a broader discourse on the ethical considerations surrounding large-scale land ownership by influential individuals.
Furthermore, the Conservative Tree House's questioning of Gates as an "entrenched climate change ideologue who wants to change food production" raises issues related to the intersection of environmental advocacy, agricultural practices, and land ownership. This scrutiny reflects the growing awareness of the environmental implications associated with large land acquisitions.
It's important to emphasize that farmland is a valuable asset with a consistent demand for food production, contributing to its appreciation over time. The sentiments expressed on social media underscore the need for transparency and a nuanced understanding of the economic, regulatory, and ethical aspects of large-scale land ownership.
For a comprehensive view, reaching out to North Dakota's attorney general's office and governor's office for additional insights and comments would be essential. This would contribute to a more holistic understanding of the legal and regulatory framework surrounding such acquisitions and address public concerns raised in the article.
