Fear of foreigners buying land unfounded, Argentine Rural Society president says

Nicolás Pino, president of the Argentine Rural Society (SRA), lamented the postponement of a crucial land law debate in the Senate, emphasizing its necessity for Argentina's progress. The proposed legislation, which faced significant hurdles due to its provisions on foreign land ownership, was ultimately delayed, frustrating agricultural sector representatives.

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Once again, the Legislative Power is holding back something that is necessary. It is a very necessary project, not only for the countryside; I speak more for the countryside, but it is necessary for all of Argentina.

Pino stressed that the law has undergone extensive discussion and consultation with various sectors. "Once again, the Legislative Power is holding back something that is necessary. It is a very necessary project, not only for the countryside; I speak more for the countryside, but it is necessary for all of Argentina," he stated. He highlighted the SRA's participation in prior consultations, urging for more fluid legislative processes to enact beneficial laws.

Addressing the contentious issue of foreign land acquisition, Pino voiced his support for the principle of private property rights. "We will always support respect for private property. To those who are scared of foreigners buying land in Argentina, I say that this already happened in the 19th and 20th centuries; Argentina was also made by foreigners, so there is no need to be afraid," he asserted.

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We will always support respect for private property. To those who are scared of foreigners buying land in Argentina, I say that this already happened in the 19th and 20th centuries; Argentina was also made by foreigners, so there is no need to be afraid.

However, Pino acknowledged the need for clear regulations in specific situations, such as land acquisition for nature reserves. He noted that while individuals should have autonomy over their property, they should not harm their neighbors. He pointed to the issue of expanding wild species, like pumas and guanacos, in Patagonia negatively affecting sheep production, underscoring the need for a comprehensive land law to manage such conflicts.

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Each one can do what they want with their land, but they cannot harm the neighbor.

The bill, driven by Minister of Deregulation and State Transformation Federico Sturzenegger, aimed to modify the current Rural Lands Law and remove existing limits on foreign ownership. The 2011 legislation restricts foreign ownership to 15% of rural lands nationwide and within each province. The government's decision to postpone the vote on August 6 came amid a lack of sufficient support for the foreign ownership chapter.

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That is why there must be a land law and we must discuss what needs to be discussed.