New Hampshire Bans Land Sales to High-Risk Foreign Entities
New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte has implemented strict measures to safeguard the state's land and technology from foreign influence. The move comes amidst growing concerns about foreign ownership, particularly from countries like China, Russia, Iran, Syria, and North Korea. The FBI is currently reviewing a Nashua warehouse purchase by Nongfu Spring's U.S. subsidiary, a company with ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
Gov. Ayotte's new policy includes two executive orders. The first prohibits the sale or lease of land to foreign interests from these countries, including China. This ban is part of the state's $15.9 billion budget. The second order directs state agencies and employees to ensure no foreign principal from these countries is involved in state-owned real estate transactions.
The policy has sparked investigations. Attorney General John Formella found that the state Department of Business and Economic Affairs failed to conduct a foreign ownership risk assessment for the Nashua warehouse purchase. This oversight has raised concerns about potential security risks. Meanwhile, dozens of states have passed similar laws banning property purchases by individuals or entities from these countries.
At the federal level, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has called for federal action to block foreign farm ownership, specifically entities with ties to the Chinese government. Senate Republicans have proposed a bill to prohibit the purchase of public or private land in the U.S. by Chinese citizens or companies. Companies with direct ties to China already own more than 350,000 acres of farmland in at least 27 U.S. states as of 2024.
The FBI's review of the Nashua warehouse purchase highlights the need for stringent scrutiny of foreign investments. Gov. Ayotte's executive orders and the proposed federal bill aim to protect U.S. land and technology from potential security threats. As foreign ownership of U.S. farmland continues to grow, so does the need for robust oversight and regulation.
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