There’s been quite a buzz lately about the increasing amount of U.S. land being purchased by foreign interests. It’s a trend that shouldn’t be ignored by any American.
Notably, some of these entities are affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party, acquiring significant plots of American farmland. While Chinese ownership still constitutes a minor fraction of total U.S. farmland, the scale of these purchases has grown considerably over recent years.
Foreign entities, particularly China, are acquiring land that boasts valuable resources like water and fertile soil.
Between 2011 and 2021, Chinese ownership of U.S. agricultural land skyrocketed by over five times. That figure should send chills down the spine of every American.
You don’t have to be an expert to grasp the implications of this trend on our sovereignty and national security. It’s not just folks in government circles; ordinary citizens can see the potential dangers. Some of this land is near crucial U.S. facilities like military bases, and foreign ownership of productive farmland raises alarms about American food security and resource independence—something that we simply cannot overlook.
The national security stakes linked to foreign real estate purchases are climbing. Almost half of U.S. states have responded with legislation aimed at curbing foreign land acquisitions, especially from China. Many states are looking into constitutional amendments to restrict foreign ownership of important agricultural and sensitive properties.
Texas is stepping up to the plate in this battle against foreign land sales, with a bill currently in the works at the state legislature. This is a vital measure to safeguard the interests of all Texans and, indeed, all Americans.
Yet, it’s important to recognize that both state and federal actions alone won’t suffice.
Local officials have a crucial role to play in addressing these challenges by backing state initiatives that aim to thwart foreign threats. Many foreign property acquisitions need local approval. County commissioners can be an essential line of defense by keeping a close eye on applications for large-scale land use changes.
Take, for instance, the situation in Grand Fork, North Dakota. In 2021, the Chinese agribusiness firm Hufen Group bought 370 acres to build a $700 million corn processing facility, located just 12 miles from Grand Forks Air Force Base. This raised immediate red flags for the Air Force, Congress, and local authorities. It might have slipped through unnoticed, but ultimately the Grand Forks City Council voted unanimously to reject it.
Local governments are pivotal. Your city or county commissioner is not just about managing roads and zoning; they are, in fact, at the frontlines of national security. These local leaders must advocate for and support both federal and state efforts to tackle the pressing threats we’re facing.
If we collaborate effectively, we can safeguard our nation’s resources, protect military installations, and prioritize the needs of American citizens.
