Foreign Ownership

At least 21 states are considering legislation to block foreign companies and individuals from purchasing farmland. The issue has gained momentum in recent years.

Missouri lawmakers failed last session to pass legislation limiting further foreign ownership of farmland. The issue is likely to reappear this year.

Legislation is being proposed at the federal and state level to restrict foreign ownership of farmland, especially by China. The scrutiny comes after a Midwestern project was scuttled by military concerns and the flight of a Chinese spy balloon across the U.S.

While the Chillicothe Republican believes politics played a part in renewing interest in who can own Missouri farmland, recent security concerns like the Chinese spy balloon that flew over the state may increase the bill’s chances of passing.

The bill bars acquisition of farmland from five countries — China, Iran, North Korea, Russia and Venezuela — deemed by the state as enemies of the United States. It also limits how much land other countries would be able to own.

A bill in the Missouri House would bring back a ban on foreign ownership of Missouri farmland.The ban was lifted by the Missouri General Assembly in 2013,…