TRENTON, N.J. – Following the Trump Administration’s announcement for a national plan to curb foreign ownership of American farmland, Assemblyman Alex Sauickie is calling on the New Jersey Legislature to quickly act on legislation he introduced to protect New Jersey’s farmland.

Sauickie’s bill (A1276) would prohibit ownership of agricultural land in New Jersey by foreign governments and people, reflecting growing concern over foreign encroachment on American soil, especially near critical infrastructure and military installations.

“Farm security is national security. Foreign ownership of American farmland, especially by adversarial nations like China, poses a direct threat to our food supply and national security,” said Sauickie (R-Ocean). “New Jersey must not sit idle while other states and our federal government act decisively to secure American agriculture.”

The national plan, announced Monday, includes provisions to limit future purchases by foreign entities and explore ways to claw back land already acquired, particularly in proximity to military facilities. The initiative follows increased scrutiny over Chinese-linked purchases of farmland near sensitive U.S. defense locations.

Sauickie is sponsor of a related bill (A4781) that prohibits foreign ownership of protected lands adjacent to military facilities in New Jersey, an additional safeguard to protect national defense and state security.

“Together, these bills are commonsense, proactive measures to ensure New Jersey’s farmland and military-adjacent properties remain in American hands,” Sauickie said. “This isn’t a partisan issue, it’s a national security issue. The protection of our food systems, farmland, and military infrastructure must transcend politics.”

Sauickie pointed out that at least 12 other states have already enacted similar laws restricting foreign ownership of agricultural land, including Texas, Florida, and South Dakota.

“New Jersey needs to act now,” he added. “When the Legislature reconvenes this fall, we must move these bills to the floor for immediate action. We cannot afford to leave New Jersey’s agricultural future vulnerable to foreign influence.”