New committee looks into foreign-owned farmland in Mississippi

Over 777,000 acres of land in Mississippi are at least partially controlled by foreign interests, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Almost all of it is agricultural land, and it represents just 2.6% of the state's landmass. 

During the first meeting of the Study Committee on Foreign Purchase of Farmland in Mississippi, members elected Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson as chairman. He says the protection of the state's farmland is not only an economic issue, but also about security. 

“The greatest security we have as a nation, and as a state, is the ability to produce our own food,” Gipson said. “Food security is national security.”

The vast majority of foreign-controlled land in Mississippi is held by friendly nations. The Netherlands holds over 357,000 acres and Germany holds just over 60,000. On the other side of the spectrum is China, which holds just 88 acres of agricultural land. 

An effort spearheaded by Rep. Becky Currie to completely ban the purchase of farmland by foreign investors led to the committee’s creation. Gipson says a more measured approach is needed to avoid unintended consequences. 

“We need to be wise about it and balance it with people's private property rights,” Gipson said. “We know we can do that.”

The committee has several more meetings scheduled in the coming months. It must provide its findings to the legislature by December 1.