Cedar Rapids Today

Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), along with Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), have reintroduced the Securing American Agriculture Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation aims to ensure that the U.S. Department of Agriculture effectively monitors vulnerabilities in the food and agriculture supply chains that could be exploited by China.

Hinson emphasized the importance of this bill, stating, "China has intentionally captured a significant market share of America’s agricultural inputs—which is vital to our food supply chain—ceding leverage to our top adversary. Iowa farmers have told me firsthand that if China decides to shut off U.S. access to these critical inputs, our food production would be in jeopardy."

Krishnamoorthi added, “The bipartisan, bicameral Securing American Agriculture Act is a critical step forward in protecting our nation’s food supply and farmers from foreign adversaries, including the Chinese Communist Party.”

Senator Ricketts highlighted the national security threat posed by China's control over crucial sectors of food and agricultural supply chains: “Losing access to key inputs could reduce productivity, increase food prices, and undermine food security."

Slotkin stressed the importance of treating threats to the food supply chain as security risks: “Food security is national security – and we need to treat threats to our food supply chain just like any other security risk."

Constance Cullman, President and CEO of the American Feed Industry Association, expressed support for the bill: “By supporting the Securing American Agriculture Act, we can give federal decision-makers a clearer shot at guarding the United States from potentially catastrophic animal welfare, food security or economic consequences."

According to data from industry sources such as the American Feed Industry Association, China controls over 90% of global production for many essential vitamins used in animal feed. Additionally, Chinese manufacturers dominate up to 85% of some essential amino acids used in animal feed.

The legislation was introduced with several co-sponsors from both parties. The bill's text is available online for public viewing.