The newly announced Farm Security Action Plan could significantly impact foreign ownership of U.S. farmland, but its specific effects on companies like foreign based Smithfield Foods, remain uncertain.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the Trump administration is taking the issue of foreign-owned agricultural land seriously and is considering a range of options, including restrictions on land owned by foreign adversaries such as China. An executive order from President Trump is expected soon to enforce these measures.
Smithfield Foods owns about 85,000 acres of U.S. farmland—including land in Missouri—is maintaining that its holdings in the US make up a miniscule amount of land and pose no national security threat. Pork Producers in Missouri are still waiting to understand how the plan will affect them.
Photo Credit: USDA.
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