H.R. 1713: Agricultural Risk Review Act of 2025

The Agricultural Risk Review Act of 2025 aims to amend existing legislation to enhance the role of the Secretary of Agriculture in overseeing certain types of transactions that could impact U.S. agricultural interests. Below are the main components of the bill:

Inclusion of the Secretary of Agriculture on CFIUS

The bill proposes to include the Secretary of Agriculture as a member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). This is particularly relevant for transactions that involve:

• Agricultural land
• Agricultural biotechnology
• The agriculture industry, which covers agricultural transportation, storage, and processing

Review of Agricultural Land Transactions

The legislation would also establish a process for the review of certain agricultural land transactions. Specifically, it outlines that after the Secretary of Agriculture notifies CFIUS of a reportable agricultural land transaction, the committee must determine:

• If the transaction qualifies as a covered transaction
• If so, whether CFIUS should initiate a review or take other actions regarding this transaction

Definition of Reportable Transactions

A "reportable agricultural land transaction" is defined in the bill as a transaction involving:

• A foreign person from specific countries—namely China, North Korea, Russia, or Iran—that acquires an interest in U.S. agricultural land and
• Transactions for which individuals are required to report to the Secretary of Agriculture under an earlier law from 1978 known as the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act

Expiration Clause

The bill includes a clause stipulating that the requirements regarding foreign acquisitions will terminate when the respective countries (China, North Korea, Russia, or Iran) are removed from the U.S. list of foreign adversaries.

Oversight and National Security

Overall, the bill seeks to bolster agricultural security by ensuring that potential foreign investments in agricultural land and industries are thoroughly reviewed, particularly in the context of national and food security.

Relevant Companies

• AGricultural Technologies Inc (AGRI) - This company, which may deal in agricultural land or technology, could be affected by the scrutiny of foreign investments.
• Jaguar Health Inc (JAGX) - Engaged in biotechnology for agricultural use, it might face regulatory changes impacting foreign partnerships or investments.