Messmer Report: Protecting Indiana's Farmland

Over the last decades, we have seen China overtake the U.S. economy, with an estimated 3.7 million American jobs lost to China between 2001 and 2018. Many of the products we buy at the store are marked 'Made in China,' with China now accounting for 28.7% of global manufacturing – more than 10 percentage points ahead of the United States.

In addition, Chinese firms have expanded their presence in America over the last decade, by buying up farmland and purchasing major agribusinesses. In 2020, Chinese owners controlled an estimated 192,000 acres of farmland in the US. 

This land grab is part of the Chinese Communist Party's "One Belt One Road" program, which aims to control a greater piece of China's food supply chain. While China overtook the US in manufacturing output in 2011, the US remains the top exporter of agriculture products, with more than $100 billion in agriculture exports each year.

To help protect American farmland and keep our food supply chain local, I have authored Senate Bill 388, which would prevent a foreign business entity from acquiring agricultural land located within Indiana, unless the land will be used for non-farming businesses purposes.

This legislation would also prohibit a foreign business entity that owns agricultural land in Indiana from transferring the land to another foreign business entity after June 30, 2022. Agricultural land that is acquired, sold or transferred in violation of this law would be subject to forfeiture to the state.

If China continues to purchase land in the US, we could face a land monopoly that could be used as a dangerous tool against us. Several states, including Iowa and Minnesota, have already put restrictions in place for foreign ownership of farmland.

I believe it's important that we protect our farmland and maintain our local food supply. SB 388 is an important step in accomplishing this.

As always, feel free to contact my office directly with your questions and concerns by email at [email protected] or by phone at 800-382-9467.