TRENTON, N.J. — A proposed bill in the New Jersey Legislature aims to prohibit foreign governments and individuals from purchasing or owning agricultural or horticultural land in the state, citing the need to preserve farmland for local use and ensure food security.
Under the proposed legislation, foreign entities would no longer be allowed to acquire farmland after the bill’s enactment. Any foreign person or government currently holding such land would be required to sell or transfer ownership within five years to a U.S.-based individual or entity. To maintain the integrity of the land, the sales would include a deed of easement, ensuring the property remains devoted to agricultural or horticultural purposes.
The bill allows for limited exceptions. Foreign entities that acquire farmland through legal means, such as debt collection, foreclosure, or other judicial processes, would need to divest the property within two years, also under the condition that the land continues to be used for agricultural purposes. Similarly, land acquired through inheritance or secured as collateral would not be subject to the general ownership ban.
In addition, the bill mandates annual reporting from the New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture to monitor and assess foreign ownership of farmland in the state. These reports would include the total acreage owned by foreign entities, trends in ownership over the preceding decade, the top foreign nationalities owning farmland, and how the land has been utilized in the past five years. State and local agencies would be required to support the secretary’s efforts by providing relevant data.
Any provisions of the bill that conflict with U.S. treaties governing foreign ownership would not apply to foreign governments or individuals from those countries.
Proponents of the legislation argue that limiting foreign ownership ensures New Jersey farmland remains in the hands of local individuals and entities, prioritizing domestic food production and reducing potential foreign influence on vital resources. If passed, the law could significantly alter how agricultural properties are bought and sold across the state.
The bill is part of a growing national trend, as states across the U.S. grapple with concerns about foreign investment in agricultural land and its implications for food security and local control.