By Timothy Schuman (Center Square)
Two members of Congress want to prevent a certain group of foreign nationals representing almost all of Washington from owning, controlling or profiting from American agricultural land before the congressional cascade.
U.S. Reps. Cathy McMorris Rogers, R-Spokane, and Dan Newhouse, R-Sunnyside, have introduced the “Farmland Ban for the People’s Republic of China Act” in the House of Representatives, aimed at keeping members of the Chinese Communist Party out of it. American agricultural real estate owners.
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“Agriculture is the number one industry in Eastern Washington. We simply cannot allow Chinese companies to lock up our resources and reduce the ability of our farmers and ranchers to feed the world,” Rep. McMorris Rogers said in a statement. “Americans should not be forced to rely on China to put food on the table. The Chinese Communist Party Banning US purchases of farmland is a no-brainer that will support domestic food production and reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign adversaries.”
its text the bill Urges the President to “take necessary action to prohibit participation in programs administered by the Secretary of Agriculture by nonresident aliens, foreign businesses, or any agents, trustees, or fiduciaries affiliated with the Government of the People’s Republic of China.”
The term is broad and intended to prevent not only CCP members, but all authorized persons and entities from interfering with the free market of American agriculture.
It prohibits the same organizations and individuals from participating in any program of the United States Department of Agriculture, with the notable exception of food safety inspections.
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If passed into law, the bill could have significant implications.
recent ReportThe FDA, titled “Foreign Holdings of US Agricultural Land,” notes that as of early 2020, China already owns or indirectly controls nearly $2 billion in US agricultural land.
Another one Report The USDA notes that Chinese investment in agriculture outside its own borders has grown 1000% over the past decade.
Currently only six states – Hawaii, Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Dakota and Oklahoma – have some form of law on the books to prohibit foreign nationals from owning agricultural land. The bill would extend those protections to the rest of the country.
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“Chinese Communist Party Threats to American Democracy,” co-sponsored by Rep. Newhouse said. “The United States is engaged in a great power struggle with the CCP, and we must respond with tough policies that will protect our farmland and food supply chain.”
The bill is said to prevent future purchases. It is unclear how, if enacted, this legislation would affect current holdings of CCP-affiliated entities.
Syndicated with permission from Center Square.