Proposed NC Legislation Would Ban Foreign Adversaries from Buying Farmland Near Military Bases

Here at Carolina Forestry & Realty, we’re not just walking the land—we’re keeping a close eye on the policies that affect it. And this week, the North Carolina General Assembly introduced legislation that could significantly impact the way agricultural land is bought and sold in our state.

The NC Farmland and Military Protection Act, introduced by Representatives Jennifer Balkcom (R-Henderson), Neal Jackson (R-Moore), Jeff Zenger (R-Forsyth), and John Bell (R-Wayne), takes aim at an increasingly high-profile concern: preventing hostile foreign governments from acquiring farmland and property near military installations.

The bill seeks to prohibit foreign adversaries—specifically those identified by the U.S. Department of State, including China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba—from purchasing, leasing, or holding any stake in agricultural land or land located within 75 miles of a military base in North Carolina.

“Our state’s agricultural land is one of our most important assets and it is common sense that we protect it from foreign enemies,” said Rep. Balkcom, who noted her own roots on a North Carolina family farm.

Why This Matters

North Carolina’s farmland isn’t just scenic—it’s strategic. According to the Congressional Research Service, foreign entities already hold over 700,000 acres of North Carolina farmland, representing about 3.5% of the state’s total agricultural land. Nationally, foreign investment in farmland has been growing steadily, with U.S. holdings increasing by over 8% in 2022 alone, according to Reuters.

For legislators backing the bill, the worry is not just about land ownership—it’s about national security. Property near military installations and large tracts of farmland can carry significant tactical and economic importance.

“It is a direct threat to our state and nation to allow China and other adversaries to buy farmland and property surrounding military bases,” said Rep. John Bell. “We must act now to close this dangerous loophole.”

What the Bill Proposes

If passed, the NC Farmland and Military Protection Act would:

• Ban foreign adversarial governments (as defined by the U.S. Department of State) from buying, leasing, or holding interest in agricultural land.
• Block foreign ownership within a 75-mile radius of military bases in North Carolina.
• Apply to corporations and businesses where foreign adversarial governments hold a controlling interest.

“As our state’s top two economic drivers, we must take a stand to protect our farmland and military bases from foreign threats,” added Rep. Zenger.

While the House passed similar legislation during the previous session, the measure wasn’t taken up in the Senate. This time around, supporters are hoping the bill will gain more traction.

Our Take

At Carolina Forestry & Realty, we understand firsthand how valuable North Carolina land is—not just as an investment, but as a way of life. From timber tracts and family farms to investment-grade land near military hubs, we work every day with clients looking to buy and sell responsibly.

Whether you’re a landowner concerned about potential changes, or a buyer seeking opportunities in rural North Carolina, staying informed is key. We’ll continue to follow this legislation closely and provide updates as it moves through the General Assembly.

Have questions about how this could impact your land sale or purchase? Give us a call. We’re on the ground—and in the know.