One of human history's most compelling themes is an unrelenting race for resources. In the 19th century, gold was the big prize. In the 20th century, oil became the coveted resource. And during the first decade of the 21st century, the world has witnessed a great grain rush—or more broadly, a fervent hunt for farmland. As populations explode, water resources dwindle, and food insecurity soars, national governments and private investors are scouring the globe for, and acquiring, vast expanses of increasingly scarce fertile agricultural land. This essay offers an overview of this race for farmland.
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