Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act of 2025
Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Plain Language Summary: Protecting America's Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act of 2025 **What the Bill Would Do:** If passed, this bill would prevent people and companies connected to the governments of Iran, North Korea, China, or Russia from buying or leasing farmland in the United States—both on public lands managed by the federal government and on private farmland. Anyone who violates this ban could face civil fines or criminal penalties. However, the bill would allow foreign entities that already own or lease farmland before the law takes effect to keep their current holdings; they wouldn't be forced to sell. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily targets foreign governments and their associated individuals or businesses from these four countries.
It affects U.S. farmers and landowners indirectly by potentially restricting who can purchase or lease their property. Agricultural companies and investors from these nations would be prohibited from acquiring new farmland interests. **Current Status:** The bill (HR 1438) was introduced by Representative Dale Strong (R-AL) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Protecting America's Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act of 2025This 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.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.