NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — Under a bill being considered in Trenton, it would be illegal for foreign entities to own farmland in New Jersey.
“To the extent that we can focus on our local farm industry, to the extent that we can prop up our farm families in South Jersey or North Jersey, where I’m from, I think we have an affirmative obligation to try to do that,” said state Senator Doug Steinhardt, who introduced the bill.
Steinhardt explained the bill would require any current foreign ownership to be transferred to a local farmer and require those properties to remain as farms.
Steinhardt's idea for the bill sparked because China has been buying up land in Texas, North Dakota and other states. He said it’s up to lawmakers in New Jersey to prevent that from happening there.
“I think all of us have an obligation to sort of think outside the box and look for ways to protect not only our national interests and our state interests here at home, but to also make life safer and more affordable for folks here in New Jersey,” Steinhardt said.
He added that some of his colleagues in the assembly are considering adding a provision on preventing foreigners from owning woodland areas as well, and referenced the Joint Base and its proximity to the Pinelands near Fort Dix as a key reason for that.
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He feels this bill is proactive and made clear that there is no immediate danger he’s trying to avoid.
“I’m not here with a tinfoil hat on, yelling that the sky is falling and that there’s some doomsday scenario in play. I think it’s much more proactive than that.”
The bill was recently introduced and needs to pass votes in the senate and assembly before it can officially become law.