Will the US Ban China and Russia from Buying Farmland? Here’s What We Know

Amid rising concerns over national security and foreign influence, the United States is ramping up efforts to restrict farmland purchases by foreign entities, particularly from China and Russia. Lawmakers at both state and federal levels have introduced measures to curb foreign ownership of agricultural land, citing risks tied to espionage, food security, and economic sovereignty.

With bipartisan support, these restrictions are becoming a growing political issue as the 2024 elections approach. But how extensive is foreign ownership of U.S. farmland, and what legislative actions are being taken? Here’s what we know.

Extent of Foreign-Owned U.S. Farmland

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), foreign entities owned approximately 40 million acres of U.S. agricultural land as of 2021, which accounts for about 3.1% of all privately held farmland. Canadian investors hold the largest share, owning 12.8 million acres.

Chinese ownership, while a point of concern among lawmakers, is relatively small. Data suggests that Chinese investors own around 383,935 acres, which is less than 1% of all foreign-owned U.S. farmland. However, certain purchases—such as a 370-acre land acquisition near an Air Force base in North Dakota by the Chinese company Fufeng Group—have raised alarm over potential security threats (USDA Foreign Holdings Report).

Legislative Efforts to Restrict Foreign Ownership

State-Level Actions

Since 2023, at least 33 U.S. states have proposed or enacted laws restricting or banning foreign ownership of farmland. Florida, for instance, passed a law that prohibits property purchases by individuals “domiciled” in China, a move that has since faced legal challenges and was temporarily blocked by a U.S. appeals court in February 2025.

North Dakota and Texas have also introduced stringent measures aimed at blocking purchases by Chinese, Russian, Iranian, and North Korean entities. North Dakota, in particular, was among the first states to successfully block a Chinese purchase near a military site (North Dakota Legislative Actions).

Federal-Level Actions

At the federal level, the Biden administration has taken steps to scrutinize foreign land acquisitions. In 2023, following the North Dakota controversy, a proposed rule required foreign buyers to obtain government approval before purchasing land within 100 miles of a military installation.

Additionally, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) has increased oversight of foreign transactions involving land purchases near sensitive areas. Lawmakers are also considering amendments to the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act to tighten reporting requirements (CFIUS Regulations).

Political Implications

The issue of foreign land ownership has become a focal point in U.S. politics, particularly in the 2024 election cycle. Both Democrats and Republicans have spent over $8 million on campaign advertisements highlighting the risks of Chinese-owned farmland and the need for stricter regulations.

Former President Donald Trump has called for an outright ban on Chinese farmland purchases, emphasizing food security and economic independence as key election issues. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has sought to balance national security concerns with the need to maintain foreign investment in the agricultural sector (Federal Election Commission Data).

Controversy and Legal Challenges

While national security concerns drive these legislative actions, critics argue that some policies risk fostering discrimination and deterring legitimate foreign investments. Civil rights groups and advocacy organizations have expressed concerns that laws like Florida’s could unfairly target individuals based on nationality rather than legitimate security threats.

In February 2025, a U.S. appeals court blocked Florida’s law, arguing that it could lead to racial discrimination and violate constitutional rights. The ruling has sparked debates over balancing national security with civil liberties (DOJ Civil Rights Division).

Conclusion

While China and Russia own a small fraction of U.S. farmland compared to other foreign investors, legislative efforts to restrict their purchases are gaining momentum. Driven by national security concerns, these measures are reshaping foreign investment policies in U.S. agriculture.

As the 2024 elections approach, the issue is expected to remain a hot-button topic in American politics. Whether these restrictions will effectively safeguard national security without unintended economic consequences remains a point of debate.

For now, lawmakers continue to push for stricter controls, ensuring that foreign land acquisitions do not compromise U.S. security or economic interests.

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