WINNER, S.D.(WNAX)- Governor Kristi Noem has announced proposed legislation to restrict foreigners from buying farmland in the state.

The plan would create a new board, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States – South Dakota, which will investigate proposed purchases of ag land by foreign interests.

One of the prime sponsors will be Senator Erin Tobin of Winner.

The US Department of Agriculture says their surveys show about one percent of ag land is owned by foreigners. Tobin says that may not be totally true.

Tobin says details of land transfers that would fall under the board’s jurisdiction will be worked out.

The state already has laws that limit foreign ownership of ag land to one hundred sixty acres.