Farmland ownership and development has been an ongoing problems for many years.  It just boils down to which side of the fence you are on.  Those wanting to buy or rent land want laws which keep the price at levels which can be reasonably justified based on the cash flow ability of the land itself.  Most of those wanting to sell are looking at maximizing their income and being able to do what they want to do with "their" land.  

The question is do we want more government regulation?   Where should the line be drawn regarding the rights of land ownership?  Laws regarding land development rights can have a significant impact on the value of land.  It can reduce the value of property 3 or 4 fold, or more, depending on the circumstances.  This could cost the seller millions of dollars on some tracts of land.  Would those who support restrictions on farmland still support it if they were selling instead of buying?  Sellers can put restrictions on development when they sell land but those instances are few and far between.     

Personally, I do not like to see farmland developed but, as I get older, I better understand the need to convert farmland to cash for medical needs and long term care.  Age has a way of changing your perspective on things.