Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB1920

Introduced
3/6/25  
Refer
3/6/25  

Caption

FARMLAND Act of 2025 Foreign Agricultural Restrictions to Maintain Local Agriculture and National Defense Act of 2025

Impact

The bill introduces significant measures that may alter the landscape of agricultural investment in the U.S. One key aspect is the enhancement of reporting protocols for foreign entities involved in agricultural land transactions. This includes the establishment of a database to track foreign ownership of agricultural land, which supporters argue will enhance transparency and allow for better oversight of potential national security threats. Additionally, the bill prohibits foreign persons from participating in Farm Service Agency programs, further restricting the level of foreign involvement in U.S. agriculture.

Summary

House Bill 1920, also known as the FARMLAND Act of 2025, is designed to amend the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978. Its primary goal is to strengthen oversight of foreign investment in the United States agricultural sector. The bill addresses concerns regarding the increasing rate of foreign investment, particularly from countries that are considered strategic competitors of the U.S., such as China. By implementing stricter reporting requirements and penalties for noncompliance, the bill aims to safeguard U.S. agricultural land against foreign acquisitions that could undermine national security and food sovereignty.

Contention

However, the FARMLAND Act has raised notable points of contention. Critics argue that overly stringent regulations could deter legitimate foreign investment crucial for driving innovation and development in the agricultural sector. Moreover, there are concerns regarding the balance between protecting national interests and allowing for fair market practices that support agricultural businesses. The bill reflects broader geopolitical tensions and the need for careful consideration of agricultural policy in the context of national security.

Congress_id

119-HR-1920

Introduced_date

2025-03-06

Companion Bills

US SB886

Related FARMLAND Act of 2025 Foreign Agricultural Restrictions to Maintain Local Agriculture and National Defense Act of 2025

Similar Bills

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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.

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