SB185 – IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUESTED FOREIGN OWNERSHIP OF AG LAND

Agriculture, banking, real estate, and many other groups testified against SB185 at the SD Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee meeting on February 14, 2023. Proponents were mostly government and government-related entities.

South Dakota Farmers Union does not support SB185 because of the following:

• Foreign acquisition of agricultural land is not only South Dakota issue, but also a national security issue. We support protecting national security, but it needs to be done prudently and thoughtfully. Not in a rush inspired by enflamed national passions.
• The unintentional consequences of SD 185 could be enormous.
• National security should be managed by Congress rather than a patchwork of legislation from 50 different states.
• Under SB 185, one person is given authority to decide whether the state will confiscate private Ag land that has been sold. Senate Bill 185 creates a board and gives the Governor complete approval authority over the sale or lease of agricultural land to a foreign person or entity. There is no due process or ability for the person selling or buying the land the ability to appeal that decision.

South Dakota Farmers Union urges the SD Senate to defeat SB 185! If foreign entities buying or leasing land in SD is an issue, develop language in coming months and find support from agriculture groups across SD to introduce something next year.

Listen to the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee testimony on SB185 here: https://sdpb.sd.gov/sdpbpodcast/2023/sag23.mp3#t=114

Please call today and leave a message asking Senators to VOTE NO on SB185: 1-605-773-3821