DES MOINES – Gov. Kim Reynolds issued the following statement in response the Iowa House passing SF 2204 an act relating to interests in agricultural land acquired or held by foreign businesses, foreign governments, or non-resident aliens.
“American farmland should remain in American hands, and Iowa’s agricultural dominance must be protected. Other states look to Iowa as a model, but foreign adversaries are adapting, and our laws must too. I’m proud that the first bill sent to my desk this legislative session had bipartisan support to protect our most valuable resource: our land. Iowans across all 99 counties have expressed the need for tougher foreign ownership laws that strengthen enforcement, increase reporting, and enhance transparency. And today, we can say we’ve delivered.
“A bill strengthening protections against foreign ownership of Iowa farmland is headed to my desk. I will be signing it soon!”
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig earlier opined on the importance of weeding out foreigners in land ownership through “efforts to protect Iowa’s valuable and precious farmland.” He claims Iowans “share serious concerns about foreign adversaries buying our farm ground. It’s a concern that has made its way into the current presidential campaign, has spurred federal legislation and has led to other states creating their own laws” and this legislation addresses those concerns.
