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Rep. Rosendale Introduces Bill to Protect American Farmland from Foreign Adversaries

Washington, December 19, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Matt Rosendale (MT-02) introduced the Land and National Defense (LAND) Act to protect American farmland from foreign adversaries and land near our military bases.  

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that foreign persons and entities hold an interest in 40.8 million acres of U.S. agricultural land. Current federal law imposes no restrictions on the amount of private U.S. agricultural land that can be owned by foreigners, including citizens of hostile foreign nations. The LAND Act would implement restrictions and limitations that Americans are subject to when buying agricultural land in other countries to foreign purchasers of American farmland. Currently, China does not allow foreigners to purchase their land, and Iran rarely grants permits to foreigners to purchase their land. Rep. Rosendale’s bill would prevent adversaries like China and Iran from purchasing American farmland.

“It is unacceptable for our adversaries to continue threatening our national security by purchasing American farmland to spy on us and gain control over our agriculture production,” said Rep. Rosendale. “I am proud to introduce this legislation so we can protect our farmers and put America first!”

The LAND Act:

  • Implements the same restrictions and limitations Americans are subject to when buying agricultural land in other countries to foreign purchasers of U.S. agricultural land.
  • Establishes that a foreigner who is a citizen of multiple countries is subject to the laws of the more restrictive country in which they have citizenship. 
  • Ensures foreign companies that attempt to purchase U.S. agricultural land are subject to the most restrictive law, where investors in the company who own more than 5% of the company are citizens.

Read Rep. Rosendale’s bill HERE.