Host: Makala Blythe
Guests: Jacob Tipton- A local agriculture teacher whose focus is in animal science and who runs a seedstock meat goat operation.
Doug Caywood- A Tennessee native who raises beef cattle and specializes in architectural development in residential and commercial areas.
Description: In Tennessee, many farmers are losing their access to farmland for a variety of reasons. It is estimated that nearly 60,000 acres of farmland are lost every year due to foreign countries, which they have no chance of winning against. Instead of acts being put in place to protect farmers, there are acts in place that allow these buyouts to take place. In total, Tennessee has lost nearly 1.6 billion acres thus far. While Tennessee is often seen as a leading developmental state, controversy has emerged surrounding the topic of land loss due to development and whether this loss may be justified. Given the recent natural disasters affecting many Eastern Tennesseans, they are at the most risk for loss of land due to government interference.
Objectives:
1. Investigate the causes and consequences of farmland loss due to foreign investment and buyouts, focusing on the effects on local farmers' livelihoods and the state's agricultural economy.
2. Assess the current legal framework in Tennessee, including policies and acts that allow farmland buyouts, and propose potential legislative solutions to protect local farmers and their access to land.
3. Explore the relationship between development pressures, government intervention, and the vulnerability of farmland in Eastern Tennessee, particularly in the context of recent natural disasters and environmental risks.
Pre-listening questions:
1- What are the reasons for farmland loss in Tennessee?
2- What policies affect American farmland and even more specifically, Tennessee?
3- How do you think foreign land investors can impact the American economy?
Guided Questions:
1- What is Mr. Tipton's current occupation?
2- What is Mr. Caywood's current occupation?
3- What is one way that farmers can ensure that their voices are heard?
4- How does each guest describe their concern for a foreign buyout?
5- How can American land be purchased through the AFIDA?
Post-listening questions:
1- What is the AFIDA?
2- How does the AFIDA affect Tennesseans?
3- How would you describe Mr. Tipton's and Mr. Caywood's stance on this topic?
