Noem speaks out on China buying American farmland

By Scout Nelson

In an important session with the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, Governor Kristi Noem shared her concerns about "The Danger China Poses to American Agriculture." With years of experience in agriculture policy and governance, Noem brings a personal and professional perspective to this pressing issue.

Agriculture, being the backbone of states like South Dakota, faces unseen threats not just from natural challenges but also from strategic foreign investments. Noem's journey from managing her family farm to governing South Dakota has been marked by her dedication to the land and the people who cultivate it.

Reports reveal a staggering 5,300% increase in Chinese Communist Party (CCP) ownership of U.S. agricultural land from 2010 to 2020. This expansion, amounting to approximately 384,000 acres valued at about $2 billion, underscores the potential risks to America's food sovereignty and security. The lack of federal oversight in these transactions only adds to the concern.

"If you haven’t visited us yet, consider this a personal invitation," Governor Noem remarked, inviting people to witness the beauty and importance of U.S. agriculture firsthand. She warns, "Make no mistake, the CCP will do anything to control our food supply."

Governor Noem's testimony was not just an alarm but also a call to action. With the CCP's strategic moves to dominate essential sectors of the American economy, including agriculture, the need for stringent policies and protective measures has never been more evident.

In South Dakota, efforts to ban foreign ownership of agricultural land near military assets have been successful, setting a precedent for national policy. "For almost two years, I worked with our legislature, our ag community, and our business community to STOP China," Noem stated, demonstrating proactive governance in safeguarding both agriculture and national security.

As the debate over the next Farm Bill looms, Noem's insights into the intersection of agriculture, national security, and foreign investment are timely. The balance between supporting farmers and protecting the nation's food supply from external threats is delicate and requires careful navigation.

Governor Noem concluded her testimony with a reminder of the stakes involved: "If we lose this country, where will we go? The time is now to ensure that every policy we pass and champion puts America First."

Her words serve as a clarion call to not just lawmakers but all Americans, emphasizing the importance of vigilance, policy, and action in securing the nation's agricultural future and, with it, the American way of life.

Photo Credit -istock-alenamozhjer