Foreign interests held 46.3 million acres of U.S. agricultural land at the end of 2024, according to USDA data analyzed by University of Illinois researchers. That represents about 3.6 percent of privately held agricultural land nationwide. The total includes more than traditional farmland ownership. Federal reporting requirements also cover certain long-term leases, including arrangements used for wind and solar projects.

Nearly half of the reported foreign-held acreage is forestland. Cropland accounts for about 29 percent, while pasture and other agricultural land make up roughly 22 percent. Canadian interests hold the largest share, driven largely by forestland. Researchers say foreign holdings have increased in recent years but still represent a relatively small share of privately owned U.S. agricultural land.

By: NATHAN STUEDLEForeign interests held 46.3 million acres of U.S. agricultural land at the end of 2024, according to USDA data analyzed by University of Illinois researchers. That represents about 3.6 percent of privately held agricultural land nationwide. The total includes more than traditional farmland ownership. Federal reporting requirements also cover certain long-term leases, including arrangements used for wind and solar projects.Nearly half of the reported foreign-held acreage is forestland. Cropland accounts for about 29 percent, while pasture and other agricultural land make up roughly 22 percent. Canadian interests hold the largest share, driven largely by forestland. Researchers say foreign holdings have increased in recent years but still represent a relatively small share of privately owned U.S. agricultural land.

Foreign interests hold 46.3 million acres of U.S. agriculture land