North Dakota Farmers Union leaders and members are concerned about a measure that just passed the state legislature to allow non family corporations to own dairies and swine operations on no more than 640 acres of land or one square mile. It is currently illegal for corporations to own those types of operations in the state. Farmers Union President Mark Watne says they have several concerns including the loss of land ownership from family operations to larger corporate ones.
He says another concern is that it will lead to more corporations eventually owning other agricultural operations. Watne says they’re trying to convince the Governor to veto the measure, however if that fails, they may have to take the issue to the voters.
To get the measure on the ballot, petitioners would need to gather 13,462 signatures to refer legislation to the voters. The Bill lifting the corporate ban on swine and dairy operations was approved in the North Dakota House on a 56 to 37 vote and passed the Senate 29 to 16.
