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Bill

Bill

A 191

Bans foreign ownership of agricultural or horticultural land and agricultural woodlands in State.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Auth and 2 co-sponsors

New Jersey bill bans foreign ownership of agricultural and horticultural land to preserve local farmland control and address concerns about foreign investment in state agricultural resources.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee
#agriculture #farmland
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Bill Summary · A 191

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 191 prohibits foreign nationals and foreign-controlled entities from owning agricultural land, horticultural land, or agricultural woodlands in New Jersey. The bill appears designed to restrict non-citizens and foreign investors from purchasing these property categories within state boundaries. Sponsors include Assembly members Dawn Fantasia, Mike Inganamort, and Bob Auth.

Why is this important

Agricultural land preservation and ownership patterns directly affect food security, rural economies, and property values in farming communities. Foreign investment in U.S. farmland has increased significantly in recent decades, raising concerns among some policymakers about land stewardship, long-term agricultural viability, and local control of resources. This reflects a broader national debate about foreign land ownership that has prompted similar legislation in multiple states.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional challenges: Restrictions on foreign property ownership may face legal challenges under the Takings Clause and Equal Protection principles, as courts have previously scrutinized discriminatory property ownership laws
  • Trade implications: Such restrictions could conflict with international trade agreements and reciprocal ownership rights between nations, potentially triggering diplomatic or economic responses
  • Definitional complexity: The bill's scope depends on how "foreign" ownership is defined (citizenship? residency? corporate ownership chains?) and whether it applies to existing holdings or only future purchases
  • Agricultural economic impact: Limiting capital sources for farmland purchases could reduce competition in land markets and affect farm financing, potentially harming New Jersey farmers seeking to sell or refinance properties
  • Enforcement burden: Tracking foreign ownership across complex corporate structures and trusts would require significant regulatory resources

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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