BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com/North Dakota Monitor) – Two of the largest farm organizations in North Dakota are taking opposing positions on Measure 4, a ballot measure that could significantly change how farmland is taxed and impact local government funding.

The North Dakota Farm Bureau announced its support for Measure 4, which would eliminate property taxes based on assessed value if passed by voters in the upcoming general election on November 5. Farm Bureau President Daryl Lies emphasized the organization’s stance in a recent statement.

“The freedom to own property is the foundation of our American dream,” Lies said. “We believe the passage of Measure 4 will enhance our freedom by removing valuation-based taxation of our private property.”

However, the North Dakota Farmers Union, the state’s largest general farm organization, opposes Measure 4. While the union supports property tax relief, it does not support eliminating property taxes altogether.

“There’s really no plan for replacing those revenues,” said Matt Perdue, policy analyst for the Farmers Union. Perdue also expressed concerns about the measure shifting financial control away from local governments, with rural communities expected to face the greatest impact.

The state estimates that Measure 4 could result in a $3.15 billion loss in revenue for the 2025-2027 biennium. Despite these concerns, Lies said the Farm Bureau is committed to working with the Legislature to prioritize funding and replace lost revenue for municipalities.

Rick Becker, a leading advocate for the measure, argues that the state has sufficient funds to cover local property tax losses, suggesting the need to cut wasteful spending.

Currently, farmstead homes and buildings are exempt from taxation in North Dakota, although the land beneath them is still subject to property taxes.

The outcome of Measure 4 will be decided by voters in the upcoming November election.