The office of Governor Sarah Sanders (R-Arkansas) is currently conducting an investigation into the potential violation of state law by two Arkansas-based companies, alleged to have affiliations with China. Last week, Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward raised his concerns in a letter addressed to Attorney General Tim Griffin (R-Arkansas), calling for investigations into these companies.
Governor Sanders sternly declared, "China is a hostile foreign adversary," adding, "We won't let companies controlled by the CCP buy up and exploit Arkansas land."
Ward's letters specifically pointed out two companies - Risever Machinery LLC in Craighead County and Jones Digital LLC near DeWitt City. This comes in the wake of an ongoing investigation led by the Department of Agriculture, which is primarily focused on potential violations of Act 636. This legislation prohibits foreign countries from owning land within the state of Arkansas. The letters issued by Ward call for additional investigations to ascertain whether any violations have occurred and if proven, demand appropriate legal action.
In spring 2023, Arkansas set a precedent by becoming the first U.S. state to enact a law that forbids land ownership by foreign countries. Act 636 explicitly states that it "prohibits certain foreign parties from acquiring any interest in Arkansas agricultural land, provides penalties for violations, creates the Office of Agricultural Intelligence for information analysis and enforcement." In October, Governor Sanders directed another China-owned company, Syngenta, also based in Craighead County, to surrender its land holdings in Arkansas and imposed a $280,000 fine due to their failure to file necessary documents with Secretary Ward.
A report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture reveals that Chinese government bodies, individuals and entities own approximately 384,000 acres of U.S. land worth nearly $2 billion. The report titled "Foreign Holdings of U.S. Agricultural Land Through December 31, 2021," ranks China as the 18th largest foreign owner of U.S. land, holding about one percent of all foreign-owned land.
Sanders, the 47th Governor of Arkansas and daughter of the 44th Governor, Mike Huckabee (R-Arkansas), began her term in January, making history as the first female governor in Arkansas. Prior to this role, Sarah served as the White House Press Secretary for President Donald J. Trump for two years and held various leadership positions in U.S. Senators' offices, Governors' offices, and presidential campaigns.
