Ag Disputes Act Prioritizing Offensive Agricultural Disputes and Enforcement Act
Impact
If enacted, SB2992 would lead to the formation of an Agricultural Trade Enforcement Task Force tasked with proactively addressing identified trade barriers, especially those linked to practices by the Government of India. The bill underscores the need for a structured approach to handle agricultural exports, ensuring that U.S. exporters can compete effectively in the global marketplace. As foreign governments erect trade barriers, the task force's work is intended to protect U.S. farmers and businesses from the resulting economic harm, contributing to a more resilient and rules-based trading system.
Summary
SB2992, titled the 'Ag Disputes Act' or 'Prioritizing Offensive Agricultural Disputes and Enforcement Act', aims to establish a joint task force to identify and eliminate barriers that hinder U.S. agricultural exports. The bill highlights the critical nature of agricultural competitiveness in international markets and addresses the negative impacts caused by foreign governments' trade barriers. It outlines the responsibilities of the task force, which include identifying trade barriers vulnerable to dispute resolution under international agreements and developing enforcement strategies to combat systemic violations in agricultural trade.
Contention
There are notable points of contention concerning the bill, particularly related to the enforcement of trade commitments made by countries like India. The bill will require the U.S. Trade Representative and the Secretary of Agriculture to take definitive actions against violations of existing trade agreements. Critics may argue that focusing too heavily on punitive measures could strain international relations rather than fostering cooperative trade negotiations. Nonetheless, proponents advocate that such measures are essential to maintaining the integrity of international trade norms and supporting U.S. agricultural interests against unfair foreign practices.
Protecting America's Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act of 2025This bill prohibits persons associated with the governments of Iran, North Korea, China, or Russia from purchasing or leasing agricultural land in the United States.Specifically, the President must prohibit any person (individual or entity) owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of these foreign governments from purchasing or leasing (1) public agricultural land that is owned by the United States and administered by a federal department or agency, or (2) private agricultural land that is located in the United States.A person that violates or attempts to violate this prohibition is subject to civil and criminal penalties. This prohibition does not require a person that owns or leases agricultural land as of the date of this bill's enactment to sell that land.Further, the President must prohibit a person associated with these foreign governments and who leases, or who has full or partial ownership of, agricultural land in the United States from participating in Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. Exceptions are included to allow for participation in USDA programs related to food safety, the health and labor safety of individuals, or certain reporting and disclosure requirements.The bill excludes U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents from these restrictions.The bill also amends the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (AFIDA) to require reporting on security interests and leases.Finally, the Government Accountability Office must submit a report to Congress on AFIDA.