Pappas Endorses Legislation Protecting Farmland, Challenges Zwicker to Join Effort

January 31, 2023

Branchburg – Mike Pappas, candidate for New Jersey State Senate, today endorsed State Senator Doug Steinhardt’s recently introduced legislation that would prohibit Garden State farmland from being owned by foreign governments or foreign individuals.

“This proposed legislation is a solid effort to protect our state and nation’s food supply. Hopefully, our legislature will support this measure. Other states should follow this example as well,” said Pappas.

“We all read reports of the purchase of farmland in many States in our country. Agricultural land is a resource that cannot be taken for granted and has limits. The challenges that many farmers face are significant and the addition of foreign interests injecting themselves into the American agricultural economy could have far reaching impacts,” stated Pappas.

While a Member of Congress, Pappas served as a member of the National Security Committee. “America’s national security can be adversely affected through trends such as what we are witnessing today — foreign entities buying farmland. It is critical for States and the federal government to take steps to protect us,” stated Pappas.

“I call upon Senator Andrew Zwicker to become a co-sponsor of Senator Steinhardt’s legislation. The 16th District is fortunate to have numerous active farms and prime agricultural land, that deserve to be recognized and protected,” said Pappas.

“It is my hope that every member of the New Jersey legislature supports this important legislative initiative,” concluded Pappas.