Vilsack Addresses Concerns About Foreign Ownership of U.S. Agricultural Land

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack discussed the issue of foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land and businesses during a White House briefing in anticipation of an upcoming Senate Agriculture Committee hearing on the topic Wednesday. Responding to questions about whether the purchase of U.S. farmland by Chinese entities poses a threat to national security or food security, Vilsack expressed concern, particularly regarding instances such as Chinese interests acquiring land near military installations in North Dakota. He emphasized the need for greater engagement in the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) process to address these concerns, acknowledging there is work to be done to enhance the tools and mechanisms for monitoring such transactions. Vilsack also mentioned the complexity of tracking land purchases, as every county has its own recorder’s office, making it challenging to identify foreign purchasers. To better address the issue of foreign land ownership, Vilsack highlighted the necessity of developing methods to collect and analyze information promptly, enabling a more effective determination of potential threats. Additionally, he discussed the possibility of the Agriculture secretary becoming a member of the CFIUS committee to enhance oversight and improve the process.

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