Strong, Tuberville legislation aims to protect America’s agricultural land from China, other adversaries

WASHINGTON — Citing agriculture as a key part of national security, U.S. Rep. Dale Strong reintroduced today the Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act.

The legislation would prohibit people associated with the governments of China and other foreign adversaries from purchasing or leasing American farmland.

“Chinese investment in U.S. farmland, much of which is in close proximity to sensitive national security sites, presents an enormous threat not only to our food, fiber, and fuel markets but also to our national security,” Strong said. “As the (Chinese Communist Party), Iran, Russia, and North Korea look to exploit weaknesses in our free and open society, it is our responsibility to ensure that the American people are protected against those who seek to undermine our national interest.”

Related story: Strong pushes ban on adversaries land ownership

Sen. Tommy Tuberville introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

“For too long, we’ve sat by while foreign nations have been trying to take over our nation’s agricultural industry,” said Tuberville (R-Auburn). “Our adversaries are always looking for any way to get their foot in the door and jeopardize our national security — including our agricultural assets.

“There’s no reason why foreign adversaries should be allowed to buy American farmland or timberland. Not only is it dangerous for our producers, but it’s disastrous for our national security.”

A January 2024 GAO report suggests that foreign investment in U.S. agricultural land continues to increase. As of 2021, it was more than 40 million acres, with some 340,000 known to be owned by China.

“This legislation is crucial to ensure our adversaries do not interfere with our food and fiber market by owning agricultural land,” Strong said. “These protections are critical, both to ensure that every American is protected against foreign adversaries and to defend the interests of the millions of American families who make a living feeding our nation and world.

“We can no longer turn a blind eye to the threat posed by a lack of transparency and effective monitoring. We must be able to effectively monitor who is growing, producing, and marketing our food safety and agriculture products. Lacking that ability is a clear threat to national security.”

America lacks accurate data on foreign land ownership and investment due to loopholes and inaccurate reporting, Strong said in the news release. This legislation addresses gaps in the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act to ensure transparency and accurate reporting of foreign land ownership in the U.S.

The “Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act” would also prohibit individuals associated with the governments of our foreign adversaries from participating in certain U.S. Department of Agriculture programs. These restrictions do not apply to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

“It’s past time to take action to protect our American farmers and consumers from threats to our food security,” said Tuberville. “I’m proud to reintroduce this legislation with Senator Banks and will continue fighting to protect America’s farmland and put our farmers and producers first.”