Hearing held on Wisconsin foreign ag land ownership bill – Brownfield Ag News

Report on Wisconsin Legislative Hearing Regarding Foreign Ownership of Agricultural and Forestry Land

1.0 Introduction and Legislative Context

A legislative hearing was conducted on October 23, 2025, to review a proposed bill aimed at prohibiting foreign adversaries from acquiring agricultural and forestry land within the state of Wisconsin. This legislative action directly engages with principles of state sovereignty and economic security, aligning with the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), by seeking to create more resilient and accountable state-level governance over critical natural resources.

2.0 Analysis of Foreign Land Ownership Data

Testimony provided during the hearing highlighted current land ownership statistics and existing data limitations. These findings are crucial for assessing risks to local food systems and economic stability.

• According to USDA data presented by Representative William Penterman, foreign persons or entities currently own approximately 600,000 acres, or 2.6%, of Wisconsin’s farmland.
• A significant challenge identified was the difficulty in precisely determining the proportion of this land owned by entities defined as “foreign adversaries” under the proposed bill.

This data gap underscores the importance of robust monitoring mechanisms to support SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by ensuring the state’s food production capacity is transparently managed and secured.

3.0 Economic Security and Sustainable Development Concerns

The primary motivation for the bill, as articulated by proponents like Senator Andre Jaque, is the prevention of foreign control over key sectors of Wisconsin’s economy. The legislation is framed as a protective measure to ensure long-term sustainability and domestic control.

1. Threat to Economic Pillars: The hearing addressed concerns that acquisition of agricultural and forestry land by foreign adversaries could undermine foundational elements of the state’s economy, impacting progress toward SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
2. Recipe for Disaster: Senator Jaque emphasized that losing domestic control over these resources constitutes a “recipe for disaster,” highlighting the link between land tenure, economic stability, and food security.
3. Enhancing Existing Law: The proposed bill aims to strengthen current state laws, which already restrict foreign land ownership, by specifically adding language to address the threat posed by “foreign adversaries.”

4.0 Alignment with Global Sustainable Development Goals

The proposed legislation aligns with several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by prioritizing local control over resources essential for community well-being and environmental stewardship.

• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): By regulating the ownership of agricultural land, the bill seeks to safeguard the state’s food supply chain and protect it from geopolitical instability, ensuring sustainable food production for its population.
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): The legislation aims to keep vital economic sectors, such as agriculture and forestry, under domestic control, thereby supporting local economies and sustainable growth.
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): The inclusion of forestry land in the bill directly relates to the sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems, a core objective of this goal.
• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): The bill is an exercise in building effective and accountable institutions to manage state resources and address security concerns related to foreign influence.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article discusses legislation concerning the ownership of “agricultural land.” Control over farmland is fundamental to food production, food security, and sustainable agriculture. The bill’s aim to prevent foreign adversaries from acquiring this land is directly linked to ensuring the stability and sovereignty of the state’s food production systems.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The proposed legislation explicitly includes “forestry land.” The ownership and management of forests are central to the goals of protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and sustainably managing forests. The bill addresses who has control over these vital natural resources.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article describes a state-level legislative process, including a “hearing” for a “bill.” This process is an example of developing effective, accountable, and transparent institutions. The legislation itself is a tool for governance and policy-making aimed at protecting state interests and economic pillars, which aligns with building strong institutions.

2. Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices…
   • The article’s focus on protecting agricultural land from control by “foreign adversaries” relates to this target. The concern that losing control of “key pillars of our economy” is a “recipe for disaster” implies a desire to maintain resilient and domestically controlled agricultural systems to ensure long-term food security and economic stability.
2. Target 15.2: By 2030, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests…
   • By including “forestry land” in the bill, the legislation directly impacts the governance and potential management of forests. Controlling who can own these lands is a preliminary step in ensuring they are managed sustainably and in the interest of the state’s environmental and economic health.
3. Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • The article details the function of a state legislature holding a hearing on a proposed bill. This entire process—from drafting the bill to public hearings—is a direct manifestation of an institution at work, aiming to create policy (“State law already places restrictions… but the bill adds the language”) to address evolving challenges.

3. Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Proportion of agricultural land owned by foreign entities.
   • The article explicitly mentions a quantifiable indicator used to justify the bill: “according to USDA, 2.6% or roughly 600,000 acres of Wisconsin farmland is owned by foreign persons.” This data point serves as a baseline indicator to measure changes in foreign land ownership over time.
2. Implementation of policies and laws related to land ownership.
   • The existence of the bill itself is an indicator of institutional action. The article notes that “State law already places restrictions on foreign ownership… but the bill adds the language on foreign adversaries.” The passage and enactment of this new legislation would be a clear, measurable indicator of progress towards strengthening institutional controls over land resources.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: brownfieldagnews.com