By Jamie Martin
A Michigan State University (MSU) study has analyzed state-level efforts to restrict foreign ownership of agricultural land. Covering 143 bills across 34 states, the research provides insight into how lawmakers are responding to rising geopolitical concerns and public debate.
“This is a topic that touches on agriculture, land access, food security and international investment,” said David Ortega, professor at MSU. “Our goal was to understand what’s motivating this surge in state-level action.”
Prompted by Ortega’s 2023 Senate testimony, the study found that legislative activity around foreign landownership increased following reports of Chinese firms buying farmland near US military bases. While such ownership is minimal, political interest has grown sharply.
Bills were often shaped by political affiliation, committee roles, and local demographics. However, the research emphasized broader regional dynamics also played a key role.
“Some of these legislative responses are about more than just farmland,” said Lin Lin, the study's lead author. “They reflect a broader set of concerns that go beyond land use itself.”
More than 20 states have already passed some restrictions, though laws differ widely. Some target all foreign investors; others focus on nations labeled as “foreign adversaries.”
Ortega urged balanced approaches: “Our hope is that this research can support more informed, balanced discussions around how to manage land access while safeguarding economic and national interests.”
The study also highlighted unintended risks - reduced local investment, discrimination, trade tensions, and legal disputes. Authors stress the need for better data and policy evaluation moving forward.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu
Categories: National