Garbarino, Newhouse Push for U.S. Strategy to Protect U.S. Food Supply Chains and Counter China’s Advances in Biotechnology

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) and Congressman Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04) recently sent a letter to the Director of National Intelligence and the Director of Homeland Security at the U.S. Department of Agriculture expressing concerns about strategic developments in Chinese biotechnology innovation, especially as they relate to agriculture. Representatives Ken Calvert (R-CA-41), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR-05), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA-02), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), Nancy Mace (R-SC-01), Marc Molinaro (R-NY-19), Joe Wilson (R-SC-02), and Robert Wittman (R-VA-01) also signed the letter.

"These developments are related to the People’s Republic of China’s efforts to dominate emerging fields like innovative proteins, which includes cultivated meats. 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 report identified China as a formidable competitor aspiring to lead the broader biotechnological landscape. This reality has only been compounded by recent Chinese activity in the innovative protein market, most notably by the inclusion of cultivated meat research and development in China’s five-year agricultural plan," the Members wrote.

"…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. We seek your recommendations on strategic measures the United States should consider to ensure continued leadership and resilience in this critical sector," the Members continued.

The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

Dear Director Haines and Director Allen,

We write to express our concern about strategic developments in Chinese biotechnology innovation, especially as they relate to agriculture. These developments are related to the People’s Republic of China’s efforts to dominate emerging fields like innovative proteins, which includes cultivated meats.

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 report identified China as a formidable competitor aspiring to lead the broader biotechnological landscape. This reality has only been compounded by recent Chinese activity in the innovative protein market, most notably by the inclusion of cultivated meat research and development in China’s five-year agricultural plan.

Global protein demand is at an all-time high, having increased by 50% since 2000. With meat demand projected to double by 2050, countries around the world are recognizing the need to pursue innovative farming techniques to complement their existing agricultural structures. The innovative protein sector’s rapid evolution and its potential to reshape global food markets underscore the urgency of responding to these developments.

Historic precedents in other industries demonstrate how quickly global trade patterns can shift, leading to significant economic and strategic realignments. Should China secure a dominant position in the global innovative protein market, it could fundamentally alter food supply dynamics worldwide and give China control of key aspects of global food security dynamics. Put simply, we cannot allow China to control more of the world’s food supply than it already does. To cede American leadership in the global innovative protein market to foreign adversaries like China is to forfeit the food security of the United States and its allies.

Given these considerations, 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. We seek your recommendations on strategic measures the United States should consider to ensure continued leadership and resilience in this critical sector.

We appreciate your attention to this urgent matter and look forward to your expert guidance on proactive steps the United States can take to maintain its competitive edge and secure its interests in the face of these dynamic global market shifts.

Sincerely,

###