House lawmakers are investigating the theft of critical technology from Iowa farmers as part of a wider examination of American research being stolen by China.
The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party recently visited Iowa to learn about China’s agricultural-tech espionage efforts.
Chairman of the committee, Rep. Mike Gallagher, emphasized the need to prioritize protecting technology in Iowa’s cornfields as much as Silicon Valley’s research labs.
Mr. Gallagher highlighted the holes in the U.S. technological ecosystem and the billions of dollars spent on research and development every year. He called for measures to address these vulnerabilities.
China’s theft of research and innovation impacts not only CEOs and lobbyists but also farmers, servicemembers, and everyday Americans.
While Chinese espionage is often associated with military targets and digital hacks, it has extended into the agricultural sector.
A Chinese businessman, Mo Hailong, was sentenced to three years in prison for stealing trade secrets from American seed corn companies. This incident highlighted China’s interest in agricultural technology.
Lawmakers in Iowa expressed concern that China’s theft of seeds harms local farmers and undermines the agricultural industry.
In the last decade, farmers have become more vigilant in protecting their intellectual property, but greater awareness is needed among the wider public.
The focus is on reporting any suspicious activities that may compromise the security of American farms.
This article is based on wire service reports.
