Business News Lesson (Adv) - Farmer Bill .pdf

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Published by Macmillan Education Ltd. © Macmillan Education Limited, 2021.
Advanced
BUSINESSNEWSLESSONS
Landinvestmentsupportsproductivity
andsustainability
Warmer
a. Successful business leaders have been choosing to purchase land to meet their environmental
impact goals and to strengthen the public’s opinion of their companies.

How might the land be used to meet this aim? How could it be developed to help companies
reduce environmental impact and benefit society?
Key words
a. Read the definitions and complete the sentences with the key words. Use the paragraph
numbers to locate the words in the article.
1. all the investments that a person or company has made (1) She had purchased an impressive
of luxury villas in the Caribbean and planned to rent them out to
holiday-makers looking for a unique experience.
2. units for measuring the surface area of land, with a single unit equal to 4,047 square metres (1)
When his father died, he inherited the sprawling estate that included an enormous mansion and
over 600 of forests and agricultural land.
3. very large farms in the western US or Canada, where cows, horses, or sheep are kept (2)
Celebrities are often keen to buy land, and many actors and singers based in the southern states
of the US purchase their own , far from the prying eyes of the media.
4. involving the principles used for deciding what is right and what is wrong (2) Businesses need to
question whether their operations are , and research should be carried
out to check that suppliers in poorer regions are given their fair share of success.
5. to change the way that something operates or develops (2) Companies can
capitalise on productivity and introduce new roles to support the business, as well as
existing roles to better fit needs.
6. an old word for a man who owned the land that he worked on (3) These rural areas have lacked
investment and as the life of the typical continues to disappear, towns
and villages must find ways to preserve the identity that makes them so appealing to visitors.
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BUSINESSNEWSLESSONS
Advanced
7. to reduce the harmful effects of something (4) To losses, the company
launched a new campaign to attract new customers and targeted a younger demographic that
they hoped would boost sales of existing products.
8. to develop something again, or to bring it back to its original state (4) Glastonbury Festival is held
over three consecutive years before the land is given a year off, allowing it time to recover and
.
9. someone who has more than a billion pounds or dollars (4) The was
recently photographed on a Sunline yacht, sparking rumours that he might have added a new boat
to his personal collection.
10. the use of methods that do not harm the environment (6) Independent businesses often put
first and develop their products using materials that can be recycled.
11. in the same way, or in a similar way (6) Gardening centres are set to benefit from the warmer
weather and restaurants with outdoor seating areas .
12. the variety of different types of plant and animal life in a particular region (7) Businesses located
in city centres can still use their premises to boost by building roof
gardens and planting wildflowers.

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Advanced
BUSINESSNEWSLESSONS
‘Farmer Bill’ is not alone in dreams of a
rural idyll
NEW WAVE OF LANDOWNERS PRIORITISES SUSTAINABILITY AS WELL AS PROFITS
BY THE FINANCIAL TIMES
Many desk-bound and locked-down workers will have
spent much of the coronavirus pandemic dreaming
of purchasing a rural idyll — even trying their hand
as a farmer. Few, however, have the resources of
Bill Gates, the world’s third-richest man, who was
revealed earlier this year by the US publication The
Land Report to have become the largest private land
owner in the US. It said his portfolio includes at least
242,000 acres of farmland, slightly smaller than the
territory of Hong Kong.
The gentleman farmer — who relies on their land not
for income but an outlet — has long been a familiar
figure. Countless American titans of industry and
politicians have owned ranches as country retreats.
Gates, however, numbers among a new breed
who, in the same way as modern ethical investing
promises both profits and principles, see farmland
as an investment as well as a chance to, literally,
reshape the world.
Farmer Bill, as he was dubbed by the Land Report,
is not alone. Family offices that manage the personal
wealth of rich individuals, and other institutional
investors have similarly started making a living from
farming — inflows into funds investing in arable land
rose to a record high in 2019. That might not chime
with some of the US Founding Fathers’ ideals of
an America based on yeoman farmers but it does
represent many people trying to have a different and
more fruitful relationship with the land.
Farmland offers a chance for funds and investors to
mitigate climate change — many investment outfits
now have “net zero” targets. That can be as simple
as growing trees or encouraging exhausted soils to
regenerate, allowing the land to work as a carbon
sink trapping greenhouse gases. Most institutional
investors have been buying land for crops rather
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than more carbon-intensive livestock farms. The UK’s
largest private landowner, the Danish retail billionaire
Anders Hoch Povlsen, is aiming to rewild his Scottish
estate and has, for more than a decade, pursued
an intensive strategy of tree planting, including
controversial deer culls.
Others may want to try their hand at new farming
techniques. Gates’ charitable foundation, while
not linked to his personal portfolio, has improving
conditions for smallholders and increasing their
productivity as one of its goals. In response to a
question on the social media side Reddit, Gates said
that while the farmland purchase was a decision for
his investment managers, more productive seeds
can avoid deforestation and help Africa cope with the
already-changing climate.
Farming, as a business, was already changing.
Agritech — start-ups that aim to apply new scientific
techniques to improve productivity and sustainability
— has become another rapid-growing investment
trend. These companies likewise appeal to investors
who want to do their bit for the planet while earning a
financial return. Many have been the target of special
purpose acquisition companies, so-called blank
cheque companies that first list on the stock market
and only then find a company to purchase.
It is likely to change even further. Farmers are getting
older and many in the next generation have little
interest in taking over — that means opportunities for
new buyers. Others are looking at ways to diversify
and find new sources of income; customers too are
demanding higher standards. In Britain, post-Brexit
reforms to agricultural subsidies are likely to prioritise
biodiversity and environmental services as much
as crop production. Farmer Bill will not be the only
one considering how to combine profitability and
sustainability.
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The Editorial Board, 1 April 2021.
©The Financial Times
All rights are reserved.
Articles republished from the Financial Times.

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Advanced
BUSINESSNEWSLESSONS
Understanding the article
a. Are these statements true or false according to the text? Correct the false statements.
1. The Land Rover has stated that Bill Gates is now the largest public land owner in the world.
2. Gates has amassed a huge collection of farmland that amounts to an area larger than Honduras.
3. In 2019, investment in arable land suddenly plummeted.
4. Although the traditional image of smallholder farmers may be disappearing, it is evident that
people are trying to have a more productive relationship with the land.
5. Farmland can be used to reduce the effects of climate change and many investors have to meet
zero emissions targets.
6. A Danish retail billionaire has been planting huge numbers of trees on his Scottish estate for more
than a decade.
7. Agricultural technology businesses can use new scientific techniques to grow crops in extremely
dry regions.
8. The children of aging farmers are not interested in taking over the business and this presents
more opportunities for buyers to purchase land.
9. Some buyers are looking further afield than farmland and seeking new sources of income.
10. Political reform to agricultural subsidies in Britain is likely to lead to an increased focus on using
land to provide a rural location for film shoots.
Business Language – Compound adjectives
a. Match the words to make hyphenated compound adjectives.
1. desk-
2. third-
3. carbon-
4. already-
5. locked-
6. rapid-
7. so-
a. down
b. called
c. richest
d. changing
e. growing
f. bound
g. intensive
3
4

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Advanced
BUSINESSNEWSLESSONS
b. Complete the sentences with the hyphenated compound adjectives.
1. Asha is the female entrepreneur in the industry, establishing herself
first on social media and then working her way up to high profile book and television opportunities.
2. The local produce market is in this region, and people flock from
neighbouring towns and villages to sample traditional Cornish fare.
3. Employees no longer want to find themselves in the office all week,
and many are now seeking new opportunities that will allow them to remain remote workers.
4. Developers are looking to reshape the transport and luxury travel industry, with a view to reduce
the environmental impact of passenger jets and cruise liners.
5. The simple payment service had led customers through a continual
loop of information requests, and many had abandoned their purchase before it was complete.
6. An fitness landscape is likely to see a continued boost in home sport
equipment sales and a reduction in the number of active gym memberships.
7. With every shop on government orders, many businesses have had to
make a fast move online to avoid losing market share.
Business Language – Portmanteaus
a. Complete the sentence using the portmanteaus.
agritech biodiversity
Supermarket chains are likely to invest in the newest (a) , but this doesn’t
necessarily mean that they will choose to put sustainability above profit, and they may focus on
improving crop production rather than protecting (b) .
Business Language – Suffix -ability
a. Form adjectives from the nouns in the wordpool and complete the text.
capable charitable profitable suitable sustainable
Ministers have decided to take (a) seriously and redevelop several miles of
land adjacent to the river. Neglected riverbanks will be transformed into welcoming green spaces that
will attract families to the area.
Development opportunities will be offered to hospitality businesses, including hotel and restaurant
owners. Companies will be assessed for their (b) , and their brand must fit
well with the tranquil surroundings.
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BUSINESSNEWSLESSONS
Advanced
Businesses most likely to facilitate further growth, perhaps through the use of third-party food delivery
services, will boost (c) and widen reach.
Ministers are keen for this economic hub to support good causes too and will also be assessing
prospective businesses on (d) . This doesn’t necessarily mean they will be
registered charities, although they too will be welcome, but may be a business known to act in support
of local non-profit organisations.
Proceedings are already underway to identify a new project manager after ministers questioned the
(e) of their original choice.
b. Verbs can be formed from most of the nouns in the wordpool in Activity a). Which one can’t be
changed to form a verb?
Discussion Questions
a. Discuss these questions.
• Farmland is more often purchased by people keen to buy private land than woodland or forests,
but both could make the ideal choice for different buyers. Why might farmland make the best
choice for some buyers and woodland make the best choice for others?
• In what ways, other than purchasing land, could businesses seek to protect the environment and
encourage biodiversity?
• What could be the reason behind the next generation choosing not to inherit the family
farming business?
Wider business theme – Land development and suitability
a. Do the role play in groups of three. Read the description for A, B or C.
A
You are a member of the legal team for a successful entrepreneur who wants to buy private land and
launch a green investment project. They are unsure of what they want to do with the land, but they know
they want it to have a positive impact on the environment while also benefit the public.
You believe that the best approach is to use the land to support renewable energy, for example by
developing wind or solar energy. But this plan does come with drawbacks – it is expensive to launch a
business in renewable energy farming and solar panels and windmills can create an ugly landscape.
Nevertheless, you are determined that this is the best option and voice your opinion. However, B
disagrees with you and believes it is best to plant trees on the land. Take it in turns with B to argue your
case and try to persuade the entrepreneur that you have the best approach.
7
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BUSINESSNEWSLESSONS
Advanced
B
You are a member of the legal team for a successful entrepreneur who wants to buy private land and
launch a green investment project. They are unsure of what they want to do with the land, but they know
they want it to have a positive impact on the environment while also benefit the public.
You believe that the best approach is to use the land to grow redwood trees. Redwood trees are the
biggest trees in the world and capable of consuming impressive quantities of carbon dioxide and releasing
oxygen back into the atmosphere. But your idea does come with drawbacks – it takes decades for a
redwood to reach a significant height, and when it eventually does, it is enormous.
Nevertheless, you are determined that this is the best option and voice your opinion. However, A disagrees
with you and believes it is best to develop the land as a renewable-energy farm. Take it in turns with A to
argue your case and try to persuade the entrepreneur that you have the best approach.
C
You are a successful entrepreneur who wants to use some of your fortune to develop a green investment
project. You are unsure of what you want to do with the land, but you know you want it to have a positive
impact on the environment while also benefit the public.
Two members of your legal team want to advise you of different development ideas, including a renewable
energy farm and a plantation of large trees. To help you decide the best direction for your environmentally
friendly project, you want A and B to describe their ideas and state reasons why you should choose
their approach.
Once A and B have finished discussing their ideas, make a decision and explain why you think this
approach is the best choice.

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Advanced
1
BUSINESSNEWSLESSONS
Level: Advanced (C1-C2)
Time: Approximately 90 minutes
Business topic: Sustainability and the
environment; land development; agriculture
and technology
Business language: Strong collocations,
words and phrases for business growth
Activities: Key words, understanding the text,
business language, discussion
Groups: Whole class, one-to-one,
small groups
Landinvestmentsupportsproductivityand
sustainability
Overview: This article discusses how wealthy
business leaders are buying private land to
meet environmental targets and finding ways
to combine productivity and sustainability in
their approach to redeveloping it.
1. Warmer
a.
Put the students in pairs to discuss the questions. Ask
the students to consider the environmental impact
of business and modern corporate responsibility.
Ask for feedback from the class and make a note of
the different land development suggestions. Ask the
students to vote for the best idea.
2. Key words
Key:
1. portfolio
2. acres
3. ranches
4. ethical
5. reshape
6. yeoman
7. mitigate
8. regenerate
9. billionaire
10. sustainability
11. likewise
12. biodiversity
3. Understanding the text
a.
Students correct the incorrect sentences so that they
match the text.
1. F The Land Report has stated that Bill Gates is now
the largest public land owner in the US.
2. F Gates has amassed a huge collection of farmland
that amounts to an area slightly smaller than
Hong Kong.
3. F In 2019, investment in arable land rose to a
record high.
4. T
5. T
6. T
7. F Agricultural technology businesses can use new
scientific techniques to increase productivity and
sustainability.
8. T
9. T
10. F Political reform to agricultural subsidies in Britain
is likely to lead to an increased focus on using land
to prioritise/support biodiversity and environmental
services / as much as crop production.
4.
Business Language –
Compound adjectives
a. Students match words to make compound adjectives.
1. f
2. c
3. g
4. d
5. a
6. e
7. b
b.
Students complete the sentences with the hyphenated
compound adjectives.
Key:
1. third-richest
2. rapid-growing
3. desk-bound
4. carbon-intensive
5. so-called
6. already-changing
7. locked-down
5. Business Language – Portmanteaus
a.
Students complete the sentence with portmanteaus
in the article. Remind students that portmanteaus are
words that have been blended together, both in sound
and meaning, using parts of other words.

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Advanced
2
BUSINESSNEWSLESSONS
Key:
a. agritech
b. biodiversity
6. Business Language – Suffix -ability
a.
Students from adjectives from the nouns and use
them to complete the text. Remind students that suffix
-ability is used to discuss whether someone is capable
of something.
Key:
a. sustainability
b. suitability
c. profitability
d. charitability
e. capability
b.
Ask students to look again at the nouns in Activity a.
Ask them which noun can’t be changed into a verb.
Answer: capable
7. Discussion Questions
a.
Put the students into small groups and ask them
to discuss the questions together. Once all groups
have completed the discussion, explore question two
further: In what ways, other than purchasing land,
could businesses seek to protect the environment
and encourage biodiversity? Write urban office, sports
centre and beachside restaurant on the board. Create
ideas lists for each workplace, asking students to
suggest ways that companies that operate from the
spaces could support the environment. Revisit each
location and ask students to vote for their favourite
environmental redevelopment idea.
8.
Wider business theme – Land
development and sustainability
a.
Put students in groups of three to do a role play.
Assign them the roles of A, B and C. Two will play the
roles of a land buyer’s legal advisors and the other
the land buyer. The aim of the roleplay is to practice
negotiation skills and to consider strengths and
weaknesses. You can brainstorm useful language and
phrases as a class before the groups start the task.
Observe the different groups and offer assistance
when needed. Ask for feedback from those in role
C – did they decide to adopt A or B’s approach and
why? Invite further discussion from A and B, asking
for their opinion on which development opportunity is
the right choice and if they felt comfortable negotiating
for the idea they were assigned to.

Business News Lesson (Adv) - Farmer Bill .pdf

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