In a recent C-SPAN interview, Harrison Pittman, director of the National Agricultural Law Center, shed light on the contentious issue of foreign investment in U.S. farmland, a topic that has gained significant traction in recent months. The interview, which aired on Washington Journal, comes on the heels of the Trump administration’s announcement of new measures aimed at curbing foreign ownership of American agricultural land.
Pittman, drawing from data provided by the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA), revealed that approximately 3.5 percent of U.S. land is foreign-owned, with investments coming from over 100 countries. However, he noted that the majority of this investment is concentrated among a few nations. “Canada has always been the top investor in U.S. agriculture since we started keeping data in the late 1970s and early 1980s,” Pittman said, adding that Canadian investors account for about one-third of foreign-owned agricultural land in the U.S. Following Canada, the Netherlands, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany are the next largest investors.
The data also shows that roughly half of the foreign-owned agricultural land is used for forestry, a trend that has remained consistent since AFIDA reporting began. The remaining land is roughly split between cropland and pastureland. Pittman emphasized that the data includes long-term leases of 10 years or more, which can sometimes involve U.S. landowners leasing their property to foreign entities for specific purposes, such as solar energy projects or development rights.
The interview took place against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s recently unveiled National Farm Security Action Plan, which outlines new reforms to AFIDA, including higher penalties for noncompliance and efforts to coordinate with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. The plan also signals potential legal efforts to reclaim farmland previously acquired by Chinese-owned firms, such as Smithfield Foods and Syngenta.
The implications of these developments are significant. On one hand, foreign investment in U.S. farmland can bring capital and expertise to the agricultural sector, potentially boosting productivity and innovation. On the other hand, there are concerns about national security and the strategic importance of agricultural land. The Trump administration’s actions suggest a growing unease about the extent of foreign ownership, particularly from countries like China, which are often viewed as strategic competitors.
Pittman’s interview provided a nuanced perspective on the issue, highlighting the complexities and nuances involved in foreign investment in U.S. farmland. As the debate continues, it is clear that finding the right balance between welcoming investment and protecting national interests will be a key challenge for policymakers. The full interview is available online for those interested in delving deeper into the topic.