In a bold move to protect the nation’s food supply, a bipartisan group in the House of Representatives is proposing legislation to minimize China’s influence over the U.S. food industry.
Protecting Domestic Production
The legislation, spearheaded by Representatives Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), aims to empower the Department of Agriculture to proactively identify and mitigate threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to American farming supply chains.
“China has gained a significant market share in critical agricultural inputs essential to our food supply,” explained Hinson. “This gives our main adversary leverage and control.”
Iowa farmers have expressed concerns that if China suddenly cut off access to these inputs, “food production could slow to a halt,” added Hinson.
Ensuring Transparency and Accountability
The legislation mandates that the federal government conduct annual assessments to monitor the health of domestic agricultural supply chains and assess their vulnerability to China. This comprehensive approach will provide valuable insights and early warning systems.
Reshoring Critical Supply Chains
Hinson emphasizes that the bill aims to bring back essential supply chains to ensure that “Communist China does not have the power to restrict American food production.” This reshoring initiative seeks to bolster the nation’s self-reliance and reduce reliance on foreign sources.
Bipartisan Unity
The legislation enjoys bipartisan support, with the House select committee on China’s top members, Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), endorsing the bill.
Rising Concerns over Chinese Dominance
House lawmakers have raised concerns about China’s growing dominance in the global agricultural market for years, particularly in rural districts.
These concerns intensified last year when Chinese company Fufeng Group attempted to acquire land in North Dakota for a corn mill project, sparking fears over the implications of Chinese control and its proximity to a U.S. military base.
China’s Dominance in Key Sectors
Beyond agricultural inputs, China has expanded its influence in other sectors crucial to the U.S. food supply, such as the production and trade of amino acids used in livestock feed.
“This trend has made it possible for China to manipulate these markets, reducing choice for producers and potentially creating food security issues for American consumers,” warns a study published in the Social Science Research Network.
Conclusion
The bipartisan legislation proposed by Hinson, Slotkin, and their colleagues represents a proactive and comprehensive effort to protect the nation’s food supply from vulnerabilities created by China’s influence. By reshoring critical supply chains, ensuring transparency, and enhancing domestic production, the bill aims to safeguard America’s food security for present and future generations.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
