The story of Chinese ownership of American farmland is one of shifting numbers, national security debates, and a rapidly changing legal landscape. While the total acreage owned by Chinese entities is relatively small—less than 1% of all foreign-held land—the intensity of the political response has grown significantly in recent years. The Current Landscape
As of late 2025 and into 2026, Chinese entities and individuals own approximately of U.S. agricultural land. This figure actually represents a decline from a 2021 peak of over 383,000 acres, largely due to a major Chinese billionaire divesting from a massive renewable energy project in Texas. china buying us farmland
: As of early 2026, approximately 30 states have passed laws restricting foreign adversaries—specifically China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea—from purchasing agricultural land. States like Florida have even upheld laws prohibiting property ownership within 10 miles of military installations. The story of Chinese ownership of American farmland
While many lawmakers view any Chinese ownership as "one acre too many," some experts from organizations like the Cato Institute argue the fears are overblown. They point out that remains the largest foreign owner by far, holding over 14 million acres—more than 30% of all foreign-owned U.S. land. Critics of blanket bans also worry about fueling anti-Asian sentiment and interfering with private property rights. agricultural land
: Holdings are heavily concentrated in Texas, North Carolina, Missouri, Utah, and Florida , which together account for about 93% of all Chinese-owned acreage. National Security and "Flashpoints"
: In July 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Trump administration announced a National Farm Security Action Plan to collaborate with states in ending land purchases by "countries of concern".
: In 2022, the Fufeng Group attempted to build a corn mill on 300 acres just 12 miles from the Grand Forks Air Force Base. The Air Force warned it was a "significant threat," and local officials eventually blocked the project.