Millions of acres of foreign-owned American farmland sit idle across the country

 Recent data from the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) highlights that millions of acres of farmland in the United States are owned by foreign entities, raising questions about land use and implications for local farmers.

1. Extent of Foreign Ownership:

• Over 45 million acres of agricultural land in the U. S. are owned by foreign countries, valued at more than $38 billion.

• Canada holds the largest share, owning about 15.35 million acres, which is over one-third of the foreign-owned total.

• Other notable foreign owners include the Netherlands (5.2 million acres) and Italy (2.7 million acres).

2. Concerns About Foreign Ownership:

• National Security: Some worry that foreign ownership near military bases could lead to potential security threats, such as espionage.

• Local Farmers: There are economic concerns as foreign investors might outbid local farmers for land, driving prices higher and making it difficult for new American farmers to enter the market.

• Food Sovereignty: Advocates argue that significant foreign control over food supply could jeopardize U. S. food independence during global crises.

3. Regional Insights:

• In Wyoming, more than 260,000 acres are foreign-owned, while Texas leads with over 5.7 million acres.

• Maine has nearly 3.5 million acres of foreign-owned land, predominantly used for timber rather than agricultural purposes. Local stakeholders express minimal concern regarding potential housing development in these areas.

4. Impacts of Foreign Investment:

• The level of concern regarding foreign ownership varies based on local perceptions. In regions like Maine, the terrain limits development opportunities, thus local real estate dynamics are less affected by foreign investments.

• Real estate professionals suggest that foreign investment in certain areas is not as prevalent as in others, with more interest coming from domestic regions.

As foreign ownership of American farmland continues to be a topic of interest, the USDA data reveals significant acreage controlled by other nations. The implications for national security, local economies, and food sovereignty provoke varied concerns, particularly in regions most affected by this trend. 

https://nypost.com/2026/02/22/real-estate/millions-of-acres-of-foreign-owned-american-farmland-sit-idle-across-the-country/