DES MOINES – Today, Governor Kim Reynolds signed SF 2204 into law, a bill for an act relating to interests in agricultural land acquired or held by foreign businesses, foreign governments, or nonresident aliens, or by agents, trustees, or fiduciaries thereof, by providing for registration and reporting requirements, providing for enforcement, and providing penalties.
“Iowa’s laws on foreign ownership of land have long been recognized as some of the strongest in the nation, with other states looking to us when crafting their own policies. Yet, in the decades since we first addressed this issue, adversaries like China have grown significantly more aggressive on the world stage, constantly looking for any opening to assert themselves at the expense of our country. One all-too-common weapon in this battle is the purchase of American farmland.
“Our state’s fertile soil and unmatched production capacity make us a natural target for this strategy. Our farm families produce 10 percent of the nation’s food supply and Iowa ranks as America’s top producer of biofuels. That makes us a natural leader in the race to stave off the evolving threat to American agriculture. When Iowa speaks, the country listens. And with this bill our message is unmistakable: American soil belongs in American hands.”
Foreign owners of Iowa farmland would bet a biger fine if they fail to disclose their holdings to the state.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig released the following statement today after Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Senate File 2204, legislation strengthening Iowa’s Foreign Ownership of Farmland law:
“Keeping Iowa’s precious and productive farmland in the hands of Americans is an issue I’ve heard about continually as I have traveled our state and I share Iowans’ deep passion for protecting this valuable resource. With the additional enforcement, deterrence and disclosure tools and requirements that are incorporated through this legislation, Iowa’s prohibition on the foreign ownership of farmland will continue to be a model for other states. I appreciate the close working relationship with Gov. Reynolds, Attorney General Bird, Secretary of State Pate, and key members of the House and Senate as we worked together to strengthen and modernize this landmark law.”
(TOP PHOTO via governor’s social media)
2 thoughts on “Kim Reynolds signs bill targeting foreign ownership of Iowa’s farmland”
May stop foreign but not big corporate.
She finally did something right. First time ever.