Foreign ownership of U.S. land, currently at 1.4%, has historical roots linked to geopolitical tensions. The Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 mandates reporting by foreign holders of agricultural land. Notably, Canada holds about a third of the foreign-owned land, while emerging powers like China also possess substantial holdings, particularly in food investments. Amid rising concerns, several U.S. states have enacted laws to restrict land purchases from countries like China, reflecting unease about foreign control over American territory.
In 1978, the USDA enacted the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act, which requires foreign entities to report their agricultural landholdings in the U.S., a legislation reflecting the longstanding concerns over foreign ownership.
Approximately 32.0 million acres, or 1.4% of the total U.S. land area, is owned by foreign entities, signaling significant international interest and investment in American land.
While Canada holds a majority stake in foreign-owned U.S. land, China stands out as a significant owner, primarily through strategic food investments in partnership with American companies.
This foreign investment trend has raised concerns, especially with geopolitical tensions increasing, leading to several states implementing laws that restrict land purchases from certain countries like China.
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