Senate Amendment to Protect American Farmland from Foreign Adversaries

On July 25, the United States Senate voted, 91-7, to include the “Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security Act” as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization (NDAA) to provide foreign adversaries, China, Russia, North Korea and Iran, from acquiring American farmland or agribusiness. It also adds the Ag Secretary as an ex-officio member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. (CFIUS) board and require CFIUS review of large ag land purchases by foreign nations and connected entities.

Earlier in the day, Senator Tester (D-MT) took to the Senate floor to urge his Senate colleagues to support this legislation stating on the Senate floor, “As a third-generation farmer, I know firsthand that food security is national security – plain and simple. Allowing our foreign adversaries to invest in American farmland and agribusiness is a direct threat to our nation’s food supply. Preventing our enemies from acquiring land near our sensitive military sites, like Malmstrom Air Force base in my home state of Montana, is a no brainer. And now we need to protect the rest of our food system.”

Tester concluded his remarks by emphasizing that protecting American farmland and agribusiness is essential toward ensuring America maintains our position as the world’s leading military and economic superpower.

“This is a critical step toward making sure we aren’t handing over valuable American assets to foreign entities who would like to replace us as the world’s leading military and economic power,” continued Tester. “I urge all my colleagues in the room today to support this commonsense solution that will protect our nation’s food supply and defend our country against bad actors.”

Upon the passing of the legislation, Senator Daines (R-MT) made the following remarks, “Food security is national security and folks across Montana are rightfully concerned that China and our adversaries are buying up American farmland near critical military operations. In order to protect our national security interests, especially after the Chinese spy balloon floated over Montana’s Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBMs) and used American technology against us, we must stop our adversaries in their tracks before they threaten our food security or commit more acts of espionage.”