Suffolk Reporter

Congressmen Andrew R. Garbarino and Dan Newhouse have raised concerns regarding China's advancements in biotechnology, specifically its impact on agriculture. They have addressed a letter to the Director of National Intelligence and the Director of Homeland Security at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The letter was also signed by Representatives Ken Calvert, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Brian Fitzpatrick, Jennifer Kiggans, Mike Lawler, Nancy Mace, Marc Molinaro, Joe Wilson, and Robert Wittman.

The congressmen highlighted China's efforts to dominate fields such as innovative proteins and cultivated meats. They referenced the DNI Annual Threat Assessment which warned about China’s strategic advancements in synthetic biology and agricultural biotechnology. According to the report, China is aiming to lead the biotechnological landscape globally.

"These developments are related to the People’s Republic of China’s efforts to dominate emerging fields like innovative proteins, which includes cultivated meats," they wrote. "This year’s DNI Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community issued a stark warning about China’s strategic advancements and highlighted China’s use of synthetic biology and agricultural biotechnology as a targeted attempt to dominate global food supply chains."

The letter called for an analysis on how China's advancements in innovative protein technologies could disrupt global food supply chains and requested recommendations on measures to ensure U.S. leadership in this sector.

"…we request that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the USDA Office of Homeland Security coordinate to conduct a focused analysis on the potential implications of China’s advancements in innovative protein technologies and their potential to disrupt global food supply chains," they continued.

Global protein demand has surged by 50% since 2000 and is expected to double by 2050. The congressmen emphasized that allowing China to control more of the world’s food supply would jeopardize U.S. food security.

"Should China secure a dominant position in the global innovative protein market, it could fundamentally alter food supply dynamics worldwide," they stated.

The congressmen urged for proactive steps from U.S. agencies to maintain competitive edge and secure national interests amid these shifts in global markets.

"We appreciate your attention to this urgent matter and look forward to your expert guidance on proactive steps the United States can take," they concluded.

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