Farmland

While the Chillicothe Republican believes politics played a part in renewing interest in who can own Missouri farmland, recent security concerns like the Chinese spy balloon that flew over the state may increase the bill’s chances of passing.

The bill bars acquisition of farmland from five countries — China, Iran, North Korea, Russia and Venezuela — deemed by the state as enemies of the United States. It also limits how much land other countries would be able to own.

Across the Midwest, farmland prices have risen sharply from last year, in part because of high commodity prices and a global food shortage. The highly competitive market, which often includes investors, can make it difficult for young farmers to grow their businesses.

A bill in the Missouri House would bring back a ban on foreign ownership of Missouri farmland.The ban was lifted by the Missouri General Assembly in 2013,…