Key Takeaways:
- Governor Mike Parson announces Executive Order 24-01, prohibiting land purchases by individuals and businesses from foreign adversaries near Missouri’s military facilities.
- The order aims to safeguard military and intelligence assets from potential threats, particularly from China and other foreign adversaries.
- Existing landowners are unaffected, but new purchases require strict scrutiny and approval from the Missouri Department of Agriculture.
- Despite the restrictions, the order maintains Missouri’s commitment to economic partnerships with foreign allies, ensuring the state remains open for business.
Missouri’s Governor’s New Executive Order
In a significant move to bolster state security, Missouri Governor Mike Parson, alongside key state officials, announced the issuance of Executive Order 24-01 during a press conference at the State Capitol. This directive introduces stringent regulations on the ownership of agricultural land by individuals and businesses from nations deemed as foreign adversaries, mainly focusing on a 10-mile radius surrounding critical military facilities within Missouri.
The Rationale Behind the Order
Governor Parson articulated the growing concerns over foreign ownership of Missouri farmland, especially by entities associated with China, as a national security risk. By signing this order, the state aims to protect military and intelligence assets and ensure the well-being of its citizens. “With heightened concerns regarding ownership of Missouri farmland by foreign adversaries, especially China, we are signing this order to safeguard our military and intelligence assets, prevent security threats to our state, and give Missourians greater peace of mind,” Governor Parson stated.
Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe commended this proactive measure, highlighting the need to defend against the potential exploitation of the state’s resources by hostile nations like China.
Detailed Provisions of Executive Order 24-01
The order bans explicitly citizens, residents, or businesses from countries identified as foreign adversaries, including China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela, from owning or acquiring agricultural land within proximity to Missouri’s critical military facilities. Notably, these facilities encompass all staffed military installations within the state. The directive also requires potential foreign buyers to seek approval and disclose certain information to the Missouri Department of Agriculture before any land acquisition, thereby enabling a thorough review process.
Economic Considerations and Exceptions
Governor Parson clarified that the order is not intended to impact Missouri’s valuable economic relationships with its international allies. He emphasized that the state remains open for business, focusing on maintaining robust economic ties with friendly nations. The order is crafted to balance protecting security interests and supporting economic growth, particularly noting the substantial foreign investment and employment benefits Missouri has garnered over the years.
