By Blake Jackson
Missouri Governor Mike Parson has signed an executive order restricting foreign-owned farmland within a 10-mile radius of critical military installations. The order specifically bans individuals and businesses from nations classified as “foreign adversaries,” including China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela, from purchasing agricultural land in these areas.
“With heightened concerns regarding ownership of Missouri farm land by foreign adversaries, especially China, we are signing this order to safeguard our military and intelligence assets, prevent security threats to our state, and give Missourians greater peace of mind,” said Governor Parson.
The executive order also requires foreign entities to disclose specific details to the Missouri Department of Agriculture before acquiring agricultural land in the state.
Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe praised the move, stating, “This step is critical to protect Missouri’s military assets and infrastructure from exploitation by foreign adversaries, especially China, while maintaining strong ties with international allies.”
Missouri lawmakers have debated the issue of foreign farmland ownership for years. In 2013, a law was passed limiting foreign ownership to just 1% of Missouri’s 27 million acres of farmland. Despite this restriction, Chinese companies remain the largest foreign owners, followed by Canadian entities. A recent effort to ban all foreign ownership failed to pass in the state legislature.
Crystal Quade, Missouri House Minority Leader and a Democratic candidate for governor in 2024, acknowledged the executive order as a step in the right direction but criticized past policies that allowed foreign entities to purchase farmland. Quade emphasized her commitment to passing legislation, such as HB 2138, to block additional foreign acquisitions and protect Missouri’s food supply.
Governor Parson clarified that the new order does not affect partnerships with international allies like Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom, which have contributed nearly $19 billion in investment and supported 150,000 jobs in Missouri over the past five years.
The executive order highlights ongoing efforts to balance security concerns with economic partnerships while preserving the state’s agricultural resources for future generations.
Photo Credit: istock-fangxianuo
Categories: Missouri, Government & Policy