Will Dairy, Swine Be Exempted From North Dakota's Anti-Corporate Farming Law?
The North Dakota Legislature is set to decide whether to exempt dairy and swine operations from the state's eight decades-old anti-corporate farming law.
The bill is slated for debate in the House on Friday. It is one of the most contentious before the Legislature this session.
Supporters of the bill say will help save dying dairy and declining swine industries in the state. Opponents say the current law blocks unfair competition from big, out-of-state corporations.
The Senate in February voted 27-18 to approve the legislation. The House Agriculture Committee has given the measure a "do pass" recommendation.
North Dakota's anti-corporate farming law dates back to 1932. It now allows corporations with as many as 15 shareholders to own farms or ranches, as long as the shareholders are related.