Ms. Tokuda (for herself, Mr. McGovern, and Mr. Thanedar) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture
Ban new corporate ownership of agricultural land.
Occurrences
The Farmland for Farmers Act prohibits corporations from purchasing or leasing agricultural land.
To ban new corporate ownership of agricultural land, and for other purposes.
Evidence
Tokuda (HI-02) introduced the Farmland for Farmers Act, legislation to curb the rise in corporate ownership of agricultural land and keep farmland in the hands of farmers. The press release states the bill would prohibit corporations from purchasing or leasing agricultural land and restrict their access to USDA and Farm Credit System programs and benefits.
The bill title on Congress.gov is "Farmland for Farmers Act of 2023" and the summary identifies it as "A bill to ban new corporate ownership of agricultural land, and for other purposes."
The all-info page shows the bill's status as introduced and does not show enactment in the record provided.
The Congressional Record Index lists the Farmland for Farmers Act under bills and resolutions with an "Enact" reference, but the record available here does not show final passage or enactment text.
Assessments
Tokuda materially acted on the promise by introducing legislation specifically aimed at banning new corporate ownership or leasing of agricultural land. However, the available congressional record shows the Farmland for Farmers Act was introduced but not enacted. Under the rubric, a serious legislative attempt that failed to produce the promised policy outcome should be scored as never, with effort_badge true.