#ForeignOwnershipofFarmland #USFarmland #AgriculturePolicy
🌾 Why are foreign governments and corporations allowed to own farmland in the United States? Wouldn’t that be considered a risk to the US? 🇺🇸
In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the foreign ownership of farmland in the United States. Many people are questioning why foreign governments and corporations are allowed to own significant amounts of agricultural land within the country. This issue has sparked a debate about the potential risks and implications for the US. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind foreign ownership of farmland, the potential risks, and the current regulations in place to address this issue.
Why are foreign governments and corporations investing in US farmland?
Over the past few decades, there has been a significant increase in foreign investments in US farmland. There are several reasons why foreign governments and corporations are attracted to owning agricultural land in the United States:
1. Profit potential: US farmland has a strong track record of generating high yields and profits, making it an attractive investment for foreign entities.
2. Diversification of assets: Investing in US farmland allows foreign governments and corporations to diversify their portfolios and mitigate risks associated with other investments.
3. Global food security: Some foreign governments see investing in US farmland as a way to secure a stable supply of food for their own populations.
4. Access to advanced agricultural technology: The United States is a leader in agricultural innovation and technology, and foreign entities may be interested in gaining access to these advancements through land ownership.
Potential risks of foreign ownership of US farmland
While foreign ownership of US farmland can bring several benefits, there are also potential risks and concerns that have been raised:
1. Control of domestic food supply: Some critics worry that allowing foreign entities to own large swathes of farmland in the US could lead to a loss of control over the domestic food supply.
2. Environmental impact: Foreign ownership of US farmland could lead to environmentally damaging practices, such as excessive irrigation or the use of harmful pesticides.
3. Local communities and small farmers: There are concerns that foreign ownership of farmland could displace local farmers and have negative impacts on rural communities.
4. National security concerns: Some policymakers argue that allowing foreign governments to own US farmland could pose national security risks, particularly in times of crisis.
Regulations and restrictions on foreign ownership of farmland
To address the potential risks associated with foreign ownership of US farmland, there are regulations and restrictions in place:
1. The Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) requires foreign investors to report their acquisition of farmland to the Secretary of Agriculture.
2. Some states have implemented additional regulations, such as limits on the amount of agricultural land that can be owned by foreign entities.
3. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) has the authority to review and block foreign investments that could pose a threat to national security.
4. Recent legislative proposals aim to strengthen regulations and increase transparency around foreign ownership of farmland.
Conclusion: Balancing investment and security
The issue of foreign ownership of US farmland is complex and multifaceted. While there are opportunities for investment and economic growth, there are also legitimate concerns about food security, environmental impact, and national security. As policymakers continue to grapple with this issue, it is crucial to strike a balance that allows for foreign investment while safeguarding the interests of the United States and its citizens.
In conclusion, the foreign ownership of farmland in the United States is a topic that merits careful consideration and regulatory oversight to ensure that it serves the best interests of the country and its people. By understanding the motivations behind foreign investments, the potential risks, and the current regulations in place, we can work towards a balanced and informed approach to this complex issue.
Someone is allowed to sell their property to anyone they would like. Just as many americans go buy houses in england or Italy there is no inherent reason that someone from another country coming and buying a property in the US should he illegal or a security threat, whether that property is a house or a farm.
I agree. I don’t think they should be able to own homes either. They drive up prices for everyone.
not really a threat, the feds can eminent domain the land if they feel its needed.
the Land still belongs to the US, its just being used by whom ever bought it.
now, is it ethical? thats the real question
Greed. That’s the only reason… no other country allows this.
Why? In case of war it’s easy to seize. It’s not like they can just take their land and go home with it.
You never really own land in the US. You rent it from the government.
Because there’s nothing stopping the US government from repossessing those assets if a foreign gov/corporation does something that could be a security risk. It’s the same thing any country does, you just seize the assets and either nationalize them or sell them off again.
Besides, US corporations also own millions of hectares of farmland across all continents to feed raw materials into their supply chain for all kinds of industries. The US needs to reciprocate that privilege or it would lose those assets (which would also be a security risk to it’s national supply chains).
Maybe in case a war happens so the government can have its crops secured which also secured the economy.
I know some people who bought a big beachfront plot on an island in Panama. The law forbids foreigners from owning the land, and these people are Americans. So they incorporated in Panama and the corporation owns the land and they own all the shares in the corporation.
A risk how?
Interesting situation in Arizona on this topic: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/03/climate/arizona-saudi-arabia-alfalfa-groundwater.html?unlocked_article_code=1.C00.q1sF.Ze8S8A7RxxIL&smid=url-share
Welcome to extreme capitalism. Everything is for sell to the highest bidder. They also own our shipping ports.
I agree. There should be some limitations.
Personally I think it’s crucial to have a strong community dictate their own agriculture, NOT faceless corporations or greed driven governing bodies.
Seriously? Do you think we’d hesitate to nationalize it?
The US owns land in other foreign lands, I’d say it’s fair. Plus, America as a whole is very possessive; if we wanted to we could force vacate any country.
Yes. Makes you wonder who’s allowing it.
Because money-money-money-money-money-money.
Why would it be? Are they going to load it all on a ship and take it home? The US has no problem seizing things in times of national emergency…..
Chances are these farmlands are producing goods which are being sold here in the US, and employing all manner of workers as well…. Much the same as foreign-owned manufacturing firms.
$$$$$$
Because we are truly a global nation. The U.S. is everywhere and everyone is here. THIS is why we are so successful.
(Contrary to the popular isolationist views…)
why are they allowed to hold water rights and export it?
why are we growing alfalfa in the desert for china and SA?
inquiring minds want to know.
Especially since they get farm subsidies from the US government. The whole thing seems like a national security issue.
I think you misunderstand just how fucking much farmland we have. The government pays farmers not to plant because otherwise it would crush global food prices.
Idc about them owning farmland, that still contributes to the economy as it creates jobs for the locals, it creates a product that’s either sold here or creates active international trade.
It’s holding large amounts of residential real estate and sitting on them vacant, artificially inflating housing costs that I don’t like.
Just remember..in the good ole’ USA, corporations are people too. And corporations, even foreign ones, have more rights that the actual human citizenry. You can thank Capitalism.
Not really. The land is still within the US. What is a foreign country going to do? Buy up all the land and then stop farming and threaten to starve us? We’d just seize the land.
Private Simmons may have been humble, but MSG(P) Simmons is awful full of himself.
Because capitalism.
“The Capitalists will sell us the rope with which we will hang them.” – Lenin
Multinational corporations
Same reason corporations can outsource manufacturing, or why telecoms can get away with pocketing billions while tele-networks stagnate, or why infrastructure is a complete shit show. Because in the modern USA, “capitalism” (corporate socialism and tax breaks for the wealthy) trumps national security. The wealthy have completely gutted everything that made America great in the mid-1900s.
For the most part I don’t mind it. But the Chinese have been making a point of buying land next door to military installations. [https://thehill.com/policy/defense/4129872-whos-buying-up-land-around-major-air-force-base-in-california-we-have-no-idea/](https://thehill.com/policy/defense/4129872-whos-buying-up-land-around-major-air-force-base-in-california-we-have-no-idea/)
Whatever anyone says the answer is, I’m going to bet the real answer is: Because they are giving someone the money to be able to do it.
Us corporation own land and infrastructure assets all around the world. If you stopped international business playing capitalism in your country then other would do the same to you.