Planet Money

The great German land lottery

66 snips
Nov 15, 2024
In a centuries-old tradition in rural Germany, farmers participate in a land lottery that reshapes their agricultural futures every decade. Personal stories reveal community ties and the challenges of trading land, where some hope to upgrade from less desirable plots. The event is filled with excitement and anxiety, showcasing an innovative solution to resource allocation. This unique lottery system promotes fairness and equity, reflecting how deeply rooted traditions continue to influence modern farming life.
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ANECDOTE

The Potato Farmer's Gamble

  • Friedrich Neuser, a German potato farmer, participates in a land lottery every 10 years.
  • He hopes for sandy soil, ideal for potatoes, and minimal bad land.
INSIGHT

A Medieval Tradition

  • The Osing land lottery, dating back to the 1500s, redistributes communally owned farmland every decade.
  • This tradition attempts to balance fairness and efficiency in resource allocation.
ANECDOTE

The Empress's Gift

  • According to local historian George Rudolph, the lottery originated from a fairy tale about Empress Guni Kunde.
  • Lost in the forest, she gifted the land to four villages, creating the Osing.
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