Assemblyman John Lemondes (R,C-LaFayette) is calling on the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYSDFS) to investigate the sale of property in New York to individuals, companies, or entities that are owned or controlled by a foreign nation. This comes after a disturbing trend of farmland being bought up by other countries that are hostile to America’s interests. This includes 384,000 acres of agricultural land across the nation owned by China. Lemondes does not believe it is wise to wait until the Assembly goes back into session in January to address this issue and is asking NYSDFS Commissioner Harris to take action on this pressing issue.

“Our farmland is one of our state’s most precious resources,” said Lemondes. “Giving our enemies a free pass to buy up as much land as they want in our state will not only compromise our food supply but also our national security. I am calling on the Department of Financial Services to investigate these purchases and protect our farms.”