Why is Farmland So Expensive?

Farmland is a valuable and limited resource that provides a range of economic and social benefits. It is used for growing crops, raising livestock, and producing food, fuel, and other agricultural products. However, the high demand for farmland, combined with a limited supply, has led to a significant increase in its price over the past few decades. In this blog, we explore some of the reasons why farmland is so expensive.

One of the main factors contributing to the high cost of farmland is its limited supply. While the global population continues to grow, the amount of arable land available for farming remains relatively constant. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), only about 11% of the world's land area is suitable for agriculture, and much of this land is already in use. As a result, farmers are competing for a finite amount of land, which drives up the price.

Another factor driving the high cost of farmland is its increasing value as an investment. In recent years, farmland has become an attractive asset class for investors looking for stable returns and a hedge against inflation. This has led to an influx of non-farming investors, such as pension funds and real estate investment trusts (REITs), buying up farmland, which further drives up prices.

Additionally, the demand for food and other agricultural products has increased, putting pressure on farmers to increase their yields and productivity. This, in turn, requires more intensive farming practices, which can require more land and resources to achieve. As farmers compete for land and resources, the price of farmland increases.

Finally, government policies and incentives can also influence the price of farmland. For example, subsidies for biofuels production or other agricultural products can increase the demand for farmland, which drives up prices. Similarly, zoning laws and regulations that limit development or encourage conservation can also impact the supply of farmland and influence its price.

In conclusion, the high cost of farmland is the result of a combination of factors, including limited supply, increasing demand for food and other agricultural products, growing interest from non-farming investors, and government policies and incentives. While high farmland prices can be challenging for farmers, they also reflect the importance and value of this vital resource. It is important to ensure that farmland remains accessible to farmers while also recognizing the economic and environmental benefits it provides to society as a whole.

David Whitaker | Iowa Land Guy