Missouri Governor Mike Parson issued an executive order prohibiting the purchase of agricultural land near military facilities in Missouri by entities from countries designated as American adversaries, including China, Russia, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Venezuela.
The order aims to safeguard military and intelligence assets, prevent security threats, and give Missourians peace of mind.
Parson emphasized the importance of maintaining strong business ties with allies like Sweden, Germany, and Japan.
“With heightened concerns regarding ownership of Missouri farm land by foreign adversaries, especially China, we are signing this order to safeguard our military and intelligence assets, prevent security threats to our state, and give Missourians greater peace of mind,” said Rep. Parson.
“When it comes to China and other foreign adversaries, we must take commonsense precautions that protect Missourians and our security resources,” he continued.
“I further declare that no Missouri agricultural land shall be acquired or owned by an alien or foreign business who is a citizen, resident, or incorporated under the laws of a foreign adversary,” read Parson’s order.
“Missouri must remain open for business to our allies,” Parson explained.
The order requires approval from the Missouri Department of Agriculture for any foreign purchase of land and does not impact existing landowners.
This move follows concerns over Chinese entities owning farmland in Missouri, and similar measures have been enacted in other states.
“As such, we believe this order, with the authority we have, sufficiently protects Missouri’s security interests from potential bad actors while not punishing our allies for being good economic partners or upstanding individuals fleeing oppression and coming to our nation legally in search of a better life,” said Parson.
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