There has been concern all across the United States as to who owns farm land, and whether or not our land is being owned by foreign governments or entities. Even while having one of the most stringent laws in place to prevent this, Iowa is even looking at dotting more I’s and crossing more T’s.
Our neighbors to the Northwest in South Dakota are also looking into closing these kinds of loopholes and stopping governments and nationals of six “bad actor” countries from owning land in their state. These six countries are Iran, Russia, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and China.
South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture Hunter Roberts says it took a lot of discussion to get this legislation put together.
South Dakota House Majority Leader Will Mortenson says it was good policy to get this bill carefully written and close up their entity loopholes.
Roberts says that nationals from “non-hostile” countries would still be able to purchase land.
Roberts said that while there is an ag land purchase reporting requirement with USDA, it’s not necessarily handled in a timely manner.
The South Dakota House passed the bill 61-6. It now is waiting for Senate action.
