Bellino bill would protect Michigan farmland from foreign adversaries like China

Bellino bill would protect Michigan farmland from foreign adversaries like China

LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Joseph Bellino on Wednesday introduced legislation to prevent foreign governments like China from purchasing Michigan farmland.

“From spying on our government to supporting cyberattacks on our private businesses, China is increasingly becoming adversarial against America and Americans,” said Bellino, R-Monroe. “To defend our independence and our freedoms, we must protect our land from the influence of the Chinese Communist Party — starting with our farmland.”

Senate Bill 260 would prevent foreign governments from purchasing farmland in Michigan. To ensure all loopholes are closed, foreign government-affiliated enterprises and people acting on behalf of a foreign government or an affiliated company would also be prevented from making any farmland purchases.

Farmland is defined in the bill as land zoned for agricultural use that is capable of creating agricultural crops or sustaining livestock or livestock products, poultry or poultry products, dairy or dairy products, orchard or fruit production, timber, ranching and hemp production.

“Nations like China that actively work against our interests and threaten liberty in the world should not be allowed to buy up more farms and control more of our food chain,” Bellino said. “It is an issue of national security and economic freedom.”

SB 260 has been referred to the Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee for consideration.

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