Center for Agricultural and Rural Development
Center for Agricultural and Rural Development

Foreign Interests in US Agricultural Lands: The Missing Conversations about Leasing

November 2023 [23-PB 40]
Authors:
  • Mykel R. Taylor
  • Wendong Zhang
  • Festus Attah

Suggested citation

Taylor, M.R., W. Zhang, and F. Attah. 2023. “Foreign Interests in US Agricultural Lands: The Missing Conversations about Leasing.” Policy brief 23-PB 40. Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, Iowa State University.

Summary

Foreign ownership and leasing of U.S. agricultural land have spurred state and federal policy makers to propose legislation limiting the sale of land to foreign entities. This article discusses data revealing that most cropland being acquired in the United States uses long-term leases and that the likely intention is for wind or solar development.