JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, State Senator Jason Bean, and State Representative Kurtis Gregory are joining forces to shield Missourians from foreign land ownership deals that could impact agricultural farmland and military bases.
Bean and Gregory have both filed legislation that would lower the foreign land ownership percentage from 1% to 0.5%. Also, their bills would prohibit a foreign entity from owning land within a 30 mile radius of a military base or military contractor.
“Regarding the thousands of military personnel and the many base facilities in Missouri, it is paramount to ensure they both are protected by our state and furthermore our country,” said Ashcroft. “I wholehearted support Missouri farmers and agriculture; both critical to our state. I applaud Senator Bean and Representative Gregory for their efforts to protect Missourians.”
This legislation is about “setting the record straight and making food production and national security a priority interest,” Bean said. “Missouri is particularly suited for this policy limiting foreign ownership as we are home to multiple military installations, and agriculture is a critical industry to the foundation of our economy. This bill doesn’t disrupt existing agricultural markets, but takes real action toward protecting future generations.”
A proposed senate substitute to the legislation backed by Ashcroft would require all foreign persons or entities to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from the secretary of state’s office to be included in the mandatory report that is filed with the Missouri Department of Agriculture.
Ashcroft will continue to work closely with the legislature and others in efforts to successfully pass this legislation.