As of December 31, 2022, more than 400,000 acres of farmland in the Commonwealth are foreign-owned, accounting for 2.3% of privately held agricultural land in the state. Although this percentage is relatively low compared to other states, it represents a significant increase of more than 50,000 acres from the previous year.

Under the Agricultural Land Acquisition by Aliens Law (Act 39 of 1980), aliens who are not U.S. residents, along with foreign governments, are prohibited from purchasing more than 100 acres of farmland in the Commonwealth.

The legislation I will introduce will expand that prohibition by applying it to foreign entities, which would include government officials from countries of concern—such as China, Russia, Belarus, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, Syria, and other nations that impose similar restrictions on Americans purchasing farmland within their borders. 

The expanded prohibition would also apply to entities organized under the laws of these countries, foreign political parties, individuals domiciled in these countries who are not lawful U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and businesses with a controlling interest held by foreign principals.

Please join me in protecting Pennsylvania's farmland.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 0331: P.L.102, No.39