By Blake Jackson
Missouri State Senator Bill Eigel is proposing a total ban on all foreign farmland ownership in the state. If passed, the constitutional amendment would require foreign entities to sell all Missouri farmland they currently own within two years and prohibit them from making new purchases.
Eigel, who is also a 2024 gubernatorial candidate, said that Missouri farmland should be owned by Missourians or Americans. He added that he is the only candidate for governor calling for a complete ban on foreign ownership of Missouri land.
The legislation would force foreign owners of Missouri farmland to sell their property within 24 months of passage. Any violations would be reported to the Missouri Attorney General, and entities that fail to divest would have their agricultural property seized. Eigel plans to file the legislation on Dec. 1, the earliest date for pre-filing bills for the 2024 legislative session.
Eigel's plan mirrors one that was put in place in Arkansas last week. On Oct. 17, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin ordered Northrup King Seed Co., a subsidiary of Syngenta Seeds LLC, to divest itself of 160 acres in Craighead County within two years. Northrup King Seed Co. can trace its ownership back to China National Chemical Company (ChemChina), a state-owned enterprise.
Photo Credit: gettyimage-jamesbrey
Categories: Missouri, Government & Policy