States Seek Federal Clarity in Banning Chinese Purchases of US Farmland

There are no federal laws addressing corporations or individuals from other countries buying agricultural land in the United States. That could change soon with adoption of the federal PASS Act, included as an amendment in the defense budget.

A sign opposing a corn mill in Grand Forks, N.D., stands near 370 acres recently annexed by the city for the project. Many residents don't want the project in the city because the owner has reputed ties to the Chinese Communist Party through its company chairman. Allan Stein/The Epoch Times

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.—Concerns about companies and investors from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) purchasing farmland in the United States prompted lawmakers in 35 states to consider bills in 2023 calling for restrictions or reviews of regulatory policies regarding foreign land ownership.

Right now, no federal laws address corporations or individuals from other countries buying agricultural land in the United States, while 24 states have varied statutes related to foreign ownership of land.