Madison – Senator Rob Stafsholt (R – New Richmond) and Rep. Clint Moses (R – Menomonie) testified today in the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Revenue on the Wisconsin Farmland Protection Act, the bill authored by the legislators. Their bill would reduce the amount of agricultural land a foreign person or entity may own in Wisconsin to 50 acres.
“I was excited to get a chance to speak today on the Wisconsin Farmland Protection Act. Today represents an important step towards safeguarding our state’s future as an agricultural powerhouse and promoting America’s national security,” remarked Senator Stafsholt after the hearing concluded. The bill was introduced for the State Assembly’s consideration by Representative Clint Moses (R – Menomonie) who remarked, “Preserving Wisconsin’s agricultural traditions and rural way of life is of the upmost importance, this bill protects our farmers and keeps our land in the hands of Wisconsinites.
In only a two-year span, the amount of U.S. agricultural land that is foreign-owned increased by a staggering 15%, taking total foreign-owned ag land to 45.9 million acres. “Our state’s agricultural industry contributes $116.3 billion annually to Wisconsin’s economy, and I fundamentally do not believe our food-producing farm fields should be owned by any foreign government or foreign company.”
Senate Bill 219 will now await action in an Executive Session by the Committee on Agriculture and Revenue. The members of the Committee have the opportunity to vote to recommend passage by the entire Senate, which would allow the bill to be considered by all of the Senate members. “I hope my colleagues on the Senate Ag Committee will recognize and respond by passing this bill to protect our family farmers and secure Wisconsin’s agricultural economy,” Senator Stafsholt concluded.
Senator Stafsholt represents Wisconsin’s 10th Senate District, which includes all of Buffalo, Pepin, Pierce, and St. Croix counties, as well as portions of Dunn and Trempealeau counties.
