An executive order in Missouri seeks to ban foreign entities from countries designated as American adversaries from purchasing agricultural land close to military facilities.
Gov. Mike Parson issued the executive order on Jan. 2.

Under the order, business entities from countries such as China, North Korea, Russia, Iran, Venezuela and Cuba, will not be allowed to buy land anywhere within a 10-mile radius of military facilities in the state.

While issuing the executive order, Parson said, “With heightened concerns regarding ownership of Missouri farm land by foreign adversaries, especially China, we are signing this order to safeguard our military and intelligence assets, prevent security threats to our state, and give Missourians greater peace of mind.”

“When it comes to China and other foreign adversaries, we must take commonsense precautions that protect Missourians and our security resources,” he added.

Parson also said, “I further declare that no Missouri agricultural land shall be acquired or owned by an alien or foreign business who is a citizen, resident, or incorporated under the laws of a foreign adversary.”

The executive order reportedly does not apply to people who already own lands in the affected areas.

The decision comes amid national security concerns over lands being purchased near U.S. military bases by Chinese companies. Similar moves have already been made in states like Florida and Arkansas.

However, Parson still wants Missouri to maintain strong business ties with countries seen as allies, such as Germany, Japan and Sweden.

“Missouri must remain open for business to our allies. As such, we believe this order, with the authority we have, sufficiently protects Missouri’s security interests from potential bad actors while not punishing our allies for being good economic partners or upstanding individuals fleeing oppression and coming to our nation legally in search of a better life,” he stated.

The executive order also follows news that more than 43.4 million acres of U.S. agricultural land is owned by foreigners as of December 2022.