ICYMI: Thompson Hosts Gov. Kristi Noem to Discuss Dangers China Poses to American Agriculture
WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, hosted a full committee hearing on the dangers China poses to American agriculture.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem was one of the key witnesses. Her work to prevent South Dakota farmland sales to foreign adversaries gives her a unique perspective on this issue.
“These last few years have seen China steal U.S. intellectual property, hack critical cybersecurity and related infrastructure, weaponize agricultural trade, and acquire American farmland at an alarming rate,” Chairman Thompson said.
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House Ag discusses ‘danger’ from China
From The Fence Post:
… “In 2022, Chairman Comer and I, with more than 125 of our Republican colleagues, asked the Government Accountability Office to evaluate foreign investment in U.S. farmland, and its impact on national security, trade and food security. As many of you know, in 2021, the Department of Agriculture estimated that foreign investment in U.S. agricultural land grew to nearly 40 million acres.
“A few months ago, we received the final report, which showed Congress where gaps exist in our reporting framework, and how better, more timely coordination between federal agencies could help increase visibility into potential national security risks related to foreign investment. Congress took a natural first step with the recent passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, where the bill addressed foreign ownership of land by improving the tracking system of it.”
Chairman Thompson continued, “So, how do we strike the balance of protecting our producers and consumers, and every piece of the agricultural value chain, while keeping pace with China’s needs? How do we reduce our reliance on one country without undermining the necessity of a strong export market? How do we think smartly about policies that mitigate threats while protecting our best assets?”
Read the full story online here. |
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