Family farms are as American as apple pie and baseball, but one source of controversy and confusion to many farmers is the role of corporations and farms. A North Dakota proposal is bringing the issue back to the forefront for many American farmers.
At the heart of the question is can family farms and corporate farms co-exist?
Family Tradition
Several states in the country, like Indiana, have programs that encourage the process of keeping the farm in the family. Established in 1976, the Hoosier Homestead, has spotlighted more than 5000 farms throughout the state. The program showcases the heritage and family history behind the farms – some in the family for more than a century. One of the families recently featured, pointed out one of the many benefits of family farms.
“It’s special to be able to know your family history and then be able to pass down stories to your children and grandchildren.”
Corporate Farms a Threat?
This ability to pass on family values is what some see as the issue with large corporate farms. These farms, critics feel, are less personal. Their approach could threaten the way of life on the family farm. In North Dakota, a state that for nearly a century has protected the family farm by blocking corporate farms, is now letting voters weigh in on the debate after a 2015 law loosened that approach.
Those in favor of the 2015 law say it opens the door for pig and cattle farmers – a potential boon to the state’s agricultural industries – while opponents fear it will unleash a less family-friendly approach to farming.
Family Farm as a Corporation
Further complicating the debate is the fact that some family farms are corporations. As one Minnesota blogger notes, her family’s decision to incorporate was simply a business decision and it did not impact how they farmed.
Although, North Dakota voters will decide their state’s approach on June 12, the issue is far from being resolved throughout the country.
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