Crapo Joins Bill to Stop Foreign Adversaries from Buying American Farmland and Agricultural Businesses

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) joined legislation that would blacklist China, Russia, Iran and North Korea from investing in, purchasing or otherwise acquiring land or businesses involved in agriculture.

“Idaho’s agriculture industry is a precious resource that should be protected from foreign adversaries,” Crapo said.  “Our Idaho farmers and ranchers need to know their concerns regarding national security are being heard and addressed.”

The Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security (PASS) Act of 2023:

• Prohibits China, Russia, Iran and North Korea from purchasing U.S. farmland and agricultural companies;
• Adds the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture as a standing member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to consider agriculture needs when making determinations affecting our national security; and
• Requires the president to submit a report to Congress on any waiver granted to a prohibited country.

The legislation is sponsored by U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Jon Tester (D-Montana), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), John Thune (R-South Dakota), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) and John Kennedy (R-Louisiana). Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.