Recently, John Fetterman, the Democrat Senator from Pennsylvania, made a statement that has garnered praise from both sides of the aisle. He brought to light the unsettling fact that China owns a significant portion of American farmland. Fetterman revealed that the roots of this ownership can be traced back to a transaction that occurred about a decade ago involving Smithfield Foods.
Fetterman having his best day since he joined the Senate. Wish he'd put a suit on.
"Why exactly would the Chinese want to own vast amounts of our farmland? I'm concerned about foreign ownership in our agricultural supply chain. 56,000 Pennsylvania farmers face enough hardships." pic.twitter.com/hXa8KEoCBX
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) September 27, 2023
The acquisition of Smithfield Foods by China’s Shuanghui International Holdings Limited in 2013 was valued at around $4.7 billion. This transaction not only remains the largest Chinese purchase of an American company but also serves as a prime example of how foreign governments are buying up large swathes of American farmland. The questions that arise here are numerous. Why exactly would the Chinese want to own vast amounts of our farmland? What does it mean for the local agricultural community?
Fetterman, wearing his hoodie, pointed out that small farmers in Pennsylvania are already grappling with several hardships. They do not need to compete with foreign governments buying their land as well. The local agricultural community is facing challenges in the wake of a rapidly changing landscape. Fetterman, though not known for his conservative viewpoints, was right to bring this issue to attention. As they say, even a broken clock is right twice a day.
Some people might argue that foreign ownership of farmland is a good thing. After all, it can bring much-needed investment to the agricultural sector. However, the reality is far from ideal. Foreign governments will always prioritize their own interests over those of the country they are investing in. They may decide to use American farmland to grow crops that are in demand in their home country. This could lead to a shortage of certain crops in the U.S. and drive up prices, hurting American consumers.
Moreover, there is always the risk that a foreign government might choose to use American farmland for their own military or strategic purposes. This could have grave consequences for national security. It is imperative that we take a second look at foreign ownership of American farmland and implement safeguards to ensure that our national interests are protected.
In conclusion, it is heartening to see politicians like John Fetterman raising important issues such as the foreign ownership of American farmland. We need to pay attention to this issue and take appropriate measures to safeguard our national interests. As the saying goes, even a broken clock is right twice a day.
