Magnan et al.: Farmland Concentration across the Canadian Prairie
In “It is the Wild West out here”: Prairie farmers’ perspectives on farmland investment and land concentration, authors André Magnan (Sociology and Social Studies, University of Regina), Mengistu Wendimu (Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics, University of Manitoba), Annette Aurélie Desmarais (Sociology, University of Manitoba), and Katherine Aske (UBC Farm Practicum Field Coordinator) examine farmers’ perceptions of other farmland owners, the effects that financialized farmlands may have on communities, and farmers’ own abilities to expand.
The article focuses on a study conducted of agricultural producers in three separate Canadian provinces and their personal experiences in the farmland market relating to land and investors. While the study did not show significant evidence of investor-landlords’ control over renter-farmers’ practices or farming techniques, it did find that strained relationships between farmers and farmland investors are common as are concerns over the investors’ potential negative impacts on local communities.
Farmers were asked questions about land concentration and land bought by farmland investors to see if they would attribute challenges they face to the rising number of investor-owned lands. The answer is yes. A large percentage of the farmers surveyed suggested that they were looking to expand their own operations and many of these farmers believed that investors would be more willing to pay higher prices, effectively pushing some younger farmers out of the race for land. Younger farmers were also more likely to be renters of farmland investors, suggesting they may be more easily influenced by the investor.
While statistical analysis shows that not all of the farmers’ opinions about investors taking over are true, the open-ended questions posted by the study gave farmers the opportunity to voice why they felt negatively about land concentration and investors. One respondent wrote, “People who have come in the area treat the land like a garbage dump, bigger farmers are more concerned about grabbing more land than taking care of it properly.” The authors highlight the need for conversations across farm organizations, rural publics, and farmers to explore alternative land tenure systems in light of the challenges facing farmers.
This digest was written by Lexi Chapelle, a 2023 Nebraska Law graduate with areas of concentration in Real Estate Law, Environmental Law, and Landlord-Tenant Law. This digest was prepared as part of Professor Jessica Shoemaker's Rural Lands Seminar.
