23.02.2026 00:02
A landmark event occurred in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, where the world of technology confronted traditional agricultural production. 86-year-old producer Mervin Raudabaugh rejected a $15 million purchase offer from artificial intelligence data center developers for his approximately 261-acre property. Instead of selling the land, the elderly man transferred the development rights of the property to a conservation program.
86-year-old farmer Mervin Raudabaugh, who lives in Pennsylvania, United States, made a decision that challenges today's economic ambitions. Raudabaugh rejected a staggering offer of approximately 15 million dollars (about 515 million TL) from technology giants wanting to establish an artificial intelligence data center, in order to protect his land.
"I HAVE NO INTENTION OF DESTROYING MY FARM"
According to a report by The People, Raudabaugh, who has been working the same land in Cumberland County for over 60 years, summarized his reason for not selling his 261-acre farm in emotional and clear terms: "This is a part of my life. I have no intention of destroying my farm."
The elderly farmer, who values his family heritage and the natural worth of the land above any material gain, completely shut the door on the concrete offer from the technology giants.
CHOOSE 1.9 MILLION DOLLARS INSTEAD OF 15 MILLION DOLLARS
To secure the future of his land, Raudabaugh took an unconventional route. Instead of selling the land, he transferred the development rights of the property to a conservation program called Lancaster Farmland Trust. In return for this agreement, he received a payment of approximately 1.9 million dollars, which is far below the offer made to him. However, this decision legally ensured that the land would be used "only for agricultural purposes" forever and that no construction could take place on it.
Thanks to the agreement, Raudabaugh's land will never be transformed into a data center or industrial area, even if he is no longer alive. Expressing the peace of leaving a green legacy for future generations, Raudabaugh stated, "I want this land to remain beautiful and agricultural for everyone," emphasizing that true wealth lies in the land.