Kentucky House bill would prohibit certain countries from acquiring ag lands

A Kentucky House bill that would prohibit certain countries from buying or leasing agricultural use land cleared committee on Thursday. 

The bill, sponsored by State Representative Richard Heath of Mayfield, would not allow government entities from Burma, China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Venezuela from buying or leasing land designated for agricultural use. The legislation would prevent them from acquiring farm operations or land for the development of one.

A substitution from the committee would grandfather existing operations, meaning that any of those countries that currently own property could continue to expand those.  

Representative Heath said, “As both chair of the Agriculture Committee and State Representative, I believe I have a duty to keep secure one of our most precious resources in our most key industry. This measure protects the best interest of all Kentuckians and lends a watchful eye to our farmers and producers.”

The bill now moves to the full House for a vote.