United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last night spoke to Iowa farmers at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, in Des Moines.
Pompeo started his address in stating, ?I know first hand how farmers are the backbone of America, food security matters and what you do to help deliver that (to) every place in the world.? He added one country, in particular, further hinders American agriculture.
?Unfortunately China has taken a different approach. It has a state-led set of economic practices that threaten the health of the American agriculture industry that you all have worked hard to develop,? Pompeo said. ?When we hear stories of China stealing sensitive technologies, we often think of technology that powers our fighter jets, smartphones and medical devices. But Americans should know that China has targeted intellectual property and technology essential to farming too.?
Pompeo noted several examples of theft in agriculture, such as a Chinese national?s attempt to steal genetically modified corn from major seed companies. He adds, ?Every time there?s a theft, it eats away at the history of the industries upon which you, your children and grandchildren depend (upon),? which is why President Trump has decided to take action.
?President Trump?s low tax, regulation cutting agenda is ensuring that our Ag industry, along with all other sectors of our economy have room to continue to grow and thrive. That our countries continue to innovate without undue burden. That our farmers would be able to bequeath their rich piece of earth to their children,? Pompeo said.
Pompeo points out the difficulty of enforcing such change in a country ruled by corruption.
?As we often see in socialist countries, the prevalence of corruption in China?s state-commanded economy frequently allows this kind of fraud to go undetected and almost always unpunished,? Pompeo said. ?Even when it?s uncovered, the incentive to cheat remains unchanged.?
However, Pompeo believes change lies on the horizon.
?The good news is: Help is on the way. American producers and Chinese consumers will both be better off,? Pompeo said. ?The outcome of President Trump?s trade negotiations will pay dividends for people in each country. The President?s taking a very hard line on stopping the theft of intellectual property. For our Ag producers, President Trump is fighting to level the playing field, so there will be greater market access for each of them.?
