Ohio Senate adopts Bill 88 to limit foreign land ownership amid farmland loss concerns

A significant legislative move took place during the Ohio Senate General Government Committee meeting on February 18, 2025, as members adopted a substitute for Senate Bill 88, aimed at restricting foreign ownership of agricultural land in Ohio. This bill, known as the Ohio Property Protection Act, seeks to prohibit individuals and entities from countries deemed threats to U.S. security from acquiring protected property.

The urgency of this legislation was underscored by testimony from representatives of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and State Armor Action. Evan Coates from the Farm Bureau highlighted the alarming loss of nearly 300,000 acres of farmland in Ohio over the past five years, emphasizing that much of this land may never return to productive use. He pointed out that foreign ownership poses a growing concern for local agriculture, urging the General Assembly to consider measures that enhance rural community planning.

Harrison Siders from State Armor Action echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for states to take proactive steps against foreign adversaries, particularly the Chinese Communist Party. He warned that foreign ownership of land, especially near sensitive military installations, poses a significant risk to national security and food security. Siders argued that the federal government alone cannot address these threats, calling for state-level action to safeguard American interests.

The committee's decision to adopt the bill reflects a growing recognition of the potential dangers posed by foreign land ownership and the need for robust protections for Ohio's agricultural resources. As the legislative process continues, stakeholders are keenly watching how these measures will shape the future of land use and ownership in the state.