Bill Gates Owns 275,000 Acres Of U.S. Farmland. His Answer To Why He’s Buying So Much Of It Might Surprise You

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, is not just a tech mogul and philanthropist. He’s also the largest private owner of farmland in the United States, holding an impressive 275,000 acres across the country. You might be wondering why one of the world’s richest men is so interested in farmland.

There are many conspiracy theories about why Bill Gates is buying so much farmland. Some people think he wants to control the food supply or create food shortages. Others believe he’s trying to use the land for environmental experiments or to push certain farming practices that fit his views on climate change. Some even think he’s manipulating markets for his own financial gain or to benefit his other business interests, like biotech or synthetic foods.

During an “Ask Me Anything” session on Reddit, Gates clarified his reasons for investing in farmland, stating, “I own less than 1/4000 of the farmland in the US. I have invested in these farms to make them more productive and create more jobs. There isn’t some grand scheme involved — in fact, all these decisions are made by a professional investment team.”

While Gates has invested billions in farmland to boost productivity, more and more everyday investors are getting into the real estate market with just $100. They’re doing this through companies supported by big names like Jeff Bezos.

If Gates’ investment inspires you to invest in farmland, you don’t need to be a billionaire to follow his lead. You can invest in farmland through Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) like Farmland Partners (FPI) and Gladstone Land Corp. (LAND).

Farmland Partners is the largest farmland REIT in the U.S., with nearly 300 farms covering about 177,400 acres. It pays a quarterly dividend, making it an appealing option for investors looking for steady returns.

Gladstone Land Corp. is focused on farms that grow fresh produce and certain permanent crops. It owns 168 farms on nearly 112,000 acres and offers a higher yield with a strong record of increasing dividends.