“We Need Protection": Missouri bill to limit foreign ownership of farmland advances

Lawmakers in the Missouri House advance a measure intended on limiting foreign ag land ownership.

Right now, only one percent of Missouri farmland can be owned by a non-U.S. entity. This bill would lower that to half a percent.

Groups like the state’s Chamber of Commerce oppose the legislation but the bill quickly gained traction after a Chinese spy balloon was shot down last month on the East Coast. Missouri’s Secretary of State is advocating for the bill saying Missouri farmland needs protection.

The bill now moves to the Missouri Senate to be reviewed by a special committee.