Foreign-Owned Oklahoma Farmland Remains Low Despite Concerns

Oklahoma Foreign Farmland Ownership Remains Minimal Despite Political Debate

Chinese Ownership Less Than 1% of Foreign-Held Land

Concerns about China purchasing Oklahoma farmland have fueled political debate for years, prompting state lawmakers to pass legislation limiting foreign ownership. But according to USDA and state-level data, the facts tell a different story: Chinese entities own less than 1% of all foreign-held acreage in the state.

Instead, the vast majority of foreign-owned farmland in Oklahoma belongs to Canada and European nations, which collectively hold tens of thousands of acres.

How the Law Came About

Amid national concerns about food security and foreign influence, Oklahoma passed a law in 2022 restricting certain foreign nationals — including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea — from buying agricultural land. Lawmakers said the measure was designed to prevent criminal organizations from using farmland for illegal marijuana grow operations.

However, agricultural experts and federal land records consistently show Chinese-held farmland in Oklahoma is extremely limited, making up only a fraction of total acreage owned by international entities.

The Smithfield Foods Exemption

Despite the rhetoric, lawmakers quietly included an exemption for Smithfield Foods, a major U.S.-based pork company owned by WH Group, a Chinese parent corporation.

Smithfield operates hog farms on over 2,500 acres in northwest Oklahoma, continuing to raise livestock despite the broader restrictions. Supporters say the exemption avoids disruption to the state’s pork industry; critics argue it undermines the purpose of the foreign-ownership ban.

Misconceptions Still Drive Public Concern

Even with data showing minimal Chinese land ownership, fears persist — driven in part by geopolitical tensions and increased scrutiny of land purchases near military bases nationwide.

State officials say they will continue monitoring the issue, but acknowledge the numbers show little current threat.

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