Social Links Search
Tools
Close

  

Close

INDIANA WEATHER

Proposed IN Law Prohibits US Adversaries From Buying Farmland

Proposed IN Law Prohibits US Adversaries From Buying Farmland


Legislation aimed at stopping U.S. adversaries from owning farmland in Indiana will be argued before the full state Senate today.

Rep. Kendell Culp, R-Rensselaer, authored House Bill 1183. If approved, it would bar citizens and companies from China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia and Venezuela from buying or leasing agricultural land in the state, any property located within 10 miles of military armories or within 50 miles of military bases.

"If we lose even a fraction of our food production this quickly would become a national security issue," Culp asserted. "Chinese interests, for example, own about 400,000 acres in the U.S. In Indiana, 2.2% of Indiana's farmland is owned by foreign entities."

Culp noted Indiana's Attorney General would be tasked with enforcing the law. Opponents argued the bill goes too far and punishes Hoosiers who fled one of the six targeted countries to legally become U.S. citizens.

Chris Daley, executive director of the ACLU of Indiana, asked state lawmakers to step back and ask whether the proposed legislation represents Hoosier values.

"You are telling them they are no longer welcome here except for as employees of someone else," Daley contended. "The attorney general's representative was very helpful and making very clear this isn't just about ownership; it's about leasing. This bill is far too broad for the goal that you have stated."

Click here to read more publicnewsservice.org

Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer

Evaluation of Transition Incentives Program Offers Recommendations for Reform Evaluation of Transition Incentives Program Offers Recommendations for Reform
Tax Breaks for Preserving Wetlands Heads to Governor's Desk Tax Breaks for Preserving Wetlands Heads to Governor's Desk

Categories: Indiana, Crops, Rural Lifestyle

Subscribe to Farms.com newsletters

Crop News

Rural Lifestyle News

Livestock News

General News

Government & Policy News

National News

Back To Top