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Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act of 2025
3/13/2025, 1:08 AM
Summary of Bill S 618
Under this legislation, individuals connected to foreign governments identified as potential threats to national security or economic stability would be prohibited from acquiring agricultural land in the US. The bill also includes provisions to enforce compliance and penalties for violations.
The primary goal of Bill 119 s 618 is to safeguard American food security and sovereignty by limiting foreign ownership of agricultural land. Supporters argue that this measure is necessary to protect domestic farmers and prevent foreign entities from gaining control over critical resources. Opponents of the bill may argue that it could have negative implications for international trade relations and investment opportunities. However, proponents maintain that the protection of American agricultural interests should take precedence in this matter. Overall, Bill 119 s 618 seeks to address concerns about foreign ownership of agricultural land in the US and protect the nation's food supply from potential threats. The bill is currently under consideration in Congress and may undergo further revisions before potentially becoming law.
Congressional Summary of S 618
Protecting America's Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act of 2025
This 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.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill S 618
Bipartisan Support of Bill S 618
Total Number of Sponsors
2Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
2Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
1Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
1Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 618
Primary Policy Focus
Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 618
Comments
Isaac Decker
9 months ago
This bill is so dumb! It says that certain foreign governments can't buy or lease agricultural land here. Like, what's the big deal? It's not like they're taking over the whole country. This is just gonna hurt farmers and limit their options. It's not fair! This bill is gonna mess things up for everyone in the long run.
