Kim Reynolds signs bill protecting land from foreign ownership

Foreign Farmland Ownership in Iowa

Introduction

Gov. Kim Reynolds on Tuesday signed into law new reporting requirements — and harsher penalties — related to foreign farmland ownership in Iowa. The governor signed Senate File 2204, a measure she has called for since the beginning of the 2024 legislative session. Reynolds said Iowa plays an important role in America’s food chain and when Iowa speaks on threats to American agriculture, the country listens.

Key Provisions of the Law

• The law grants the state attorney general, currently Republican Brenna Bird, more powers on oversight related to foreign land ownership.
• Foreign landowners would be required to provide details to the state about their land owned in other states greater than 250 acres.
• The Iowa Secretary of State is required to file an annual report on foreign farmland ownership in Iowa for consideration by state officials.
• The law raises fines on violations of reporting requirements.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The new law aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, including:

1. Goal 2: Zero Hunger – By ensuring that American soil remains in American hands, the law aims to protect the nation’s food supply and contribute to the goal of eliminating hunger.
2. Goal 15: Life on Land – The law seeks to address potential violations of foreign farmland restrictions, protecting the integrity of land ownership and promoting sustainable land use.

Impact and Benefits

The new reporting requirements and penalties aim to better identify and address potential violations of foreign farmland ownership restrictions in Iowa. By granting more powers to the state attorney general and increasing fines for violations, the law provides stronger oversight and deterrence against improper foreign ownership of farmland.

Data on Foreign Farmland Ownership in Iowa

According to 2022 data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly 514,000 acres of Iowa agricultural land is held by foreign investors. This represents roughly 1.6% of the state’s total privately held agricultural land. The largest foreign owner of Iowa land is Canada, with almost 200,000 acres, followed by Italy with more than 104,000 acres. China is a minor landowner in Iowa, with USDA data listing Syngenta Seeds as the only Chinese government-affiliated business owning Iowa land as of 2022, with 265 acres in Boone County.

Conclusion

The new law on foreign farmland ownership in Iowa reflects the state’s commitment to protecting American agriculture and ensuring sustainable land use. By implementing stricter reporting requirements and penalties, Iowa aims to safeguard its valuable agricultural resources and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 15: Life on Land

The article discusses the issue of foreign farmland ownership in Iowa and its potential impact on American agriculture. This connects to SDG 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. It also relates to SDG 15, which focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, including land.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
• Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.

The article highlights the importance of protecting American agriculture and ensuring that farmland remains in American hands. This aligns with the target of increasing agricultural productivity and incomes for small-scale food producers (Target 2.3). Additionally, the focus on regulating foreign farmland ownership relates to the target of conserving, restoring, and sustainably using terrestrial ecosystems (Target 15.1).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Percentage of agricultural land owned by foreign investors
• Number of violations of reporting requirements by foreign landowners
• Amount of fines imposed on foreign landowners for non-compliance

The article mentions that nearly 514,000 acres of Iowa agricultural land are held by foreign investors, representing approximately 1.6% of the state’s total privately held agricultural land. This percentage can serve as an indicator to measure progress towards the target of conserving and sustainably using terrestrial ecosystems (Target 15.1). Additionally, the article discusses the increase in fines for violations of reporting requirements by foreign landowners, indicating a potential indicator to measure progress towards the target of increasing agricultural productivity and incomes for small-scale food producers (Target 2.3).

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: kcci.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.