Foreign Entities Hold 47 Million Acres of U.S. Farmland

Foreign entities held approximately 47 million acres of agricultural land in the United States in 2024, representing a 90 percent increase since 2010. According to an analysis by the American Farm Bureau Federation based on USDA data, these holdings account for roughly 3.6 percent of all private American agricultural acreage.

Canadian investors hold the largest share at 16.1 million acres, followed by the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. While China has faced significant scrutiny, its holdings are small, shrinking, and represent less than 1 percent of foreign-owned farmland. Growth is primarily driven by interests in timber and renewable energy, often through long-term leases rather than outright ownership.

Regional data shows Texas has the highest concentration of foreign-owned farmland, though investment is rising across all states. Oregon experienced the fourth-highest gain in the U.S. in 2024, adding 146,500 acres to reach a total of 1.41 million acres. Across the Pacific Northwest, foreign investors hold nearly 3.4 million acres, with timberland comprising nearly two-thirds of those holdings. Other regional gains included 58,200 acres in Washington and 15,200 acres in Idaho.

Faith Parum of the American Farm Bureau Federation noted that these trends raise concerns among domestic farmers regarding agricultural productivity and how long-term energy leases reshape land use and competition for ground in their communities.