The president of the National Black Farmers Association, John Boyd Jr., has warned that China is quietly taking over American farmland and food security. Chinese-owned companies have been purchasing large amounts of rural farmland in states like Oklahoma, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Virginia, with China estimated to control 383,000 acres of U.S. farmland. Chinese companies are outbidding American farmers for land, making it increasingly difficult for American farmers to compete. Boyd Jr. criticized the Biden administration for not taking action to stop farm foreclosures and called on lawmakers to pass legislation to prevent China from buying American farmland and companies. A bill has been introduced to block foreign adversaries from buying U.S. farmland, but it has not yet passed.
The president of the National Black Farmers Association, John Boyd Jr., has warned that China is quietly gaining control over American food security by infiltrating and purchasing large swaths of rural farmland in the United States. Chinese-owned companies are outbidding American farmers for land, driving up prices beyond what many American farmers can afford. Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that China controls approximately 383,000 acres of U.S. farmland, generating $1.9 billion in investments in 2021. Boyd Jr. criticized the Biden administration for not taking action to prevent farm foreclosures while allowing Chinese companies to purchase American farmland and infrastructure. Lawmakers have introduced a bill to block foreign adversaries, including China, from buying U.S. farmland, but it has not yet passed. Boyd Jr. called for more aggressive legislation to protect American farmers and prevent China from gaining a strong foothold in the United States.
