Texas Farm Bureau reiterates commitment to national security in Austin testimony

(WACO, Texas)—The president of Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) told state lawmakers today that the state’s largest farm and ranch organization is committed to national security during an interim hearing of the House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock.

TFB President Russell Boening reiterated in the testimony that TFB does not oppose the legislature preventing the purchase of Texas property by individuals or entities that are a threat to national security.

The threat of foreign adversaries gaining control of agricultural land or land near critical resources is a real concern, one that TFB recognizes. He said TFB supports the legislature ensuring a person purchasing land in Texas is not a risk to the security of the United States.

“Let me state this very clearly. Texas Farm Bureau does not oppose the legislature preventing the purchase of Texas property by individuals or entities that are a threat to our national security. That is our position,” said Boening, who operates with his brother a farm, ranch and dairy near Poth. “There were two pieces of legislation last session to prohibit ownership of property by these threats—SB 147 by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst and HB 1075 by Rep. Cody Harris. I encourage anyone, especially those misrepresenting our position, to look at the list of who opposed those bills. Texas Farm Bureau is not on that list, because our policy does not oppose prohibiting the foreign ownership of property. And, these bills did not impinge on the private property rights protected by the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Those bills focused on what someone could buy, not what someone could sell.”

If similar legislation is introduced next session, Boening said TFB would not oppose the legislation under its current policy adopted by members.

Boening noted TFB has long-standing policy that instructs the organization to oppose communism and socialism and to protect the nation’s democracy.

“To oppose efforts by the Texas Legislature to protect our freedoms would be against the core of who we are and have always been as an organization,” Boening said.

The issue of foreign ownership is gaining attention in the organization’s grassroots policy development process. 

“Texas Farm Bureau fully supports the Texas Legislature in addressing this threat to our national security, and we commend you all for taking on this important issue,” he said.  

TFB District 8 State Director Mickey Edwards shared similar testimony last month during an interim hearing with the House Select Committee on Securing Texas from Hostile Foreign Organizations. 

Download the audio file of President Russell Boening’s testimony.