They control the department of agriculture. As well many state representatives in ag states are land owners and come from a farming background.
Many Congressmen also have a farming background.
Unfortunately change will only come from the private sector and most likely from some unheard of company. We can grow our food without using much land at all. But the seed companies, chemical companies, and people in government who are land owners don't want change because they didn't adapt and would lose lots of money. And it's sad the environmental activists haven't worked to help anyone who's trying to research this and develop good techniques. I think the activists need to be more active in the capitalism side and insure that good products make it to store shelves.