- Rapid approval process: Qi Biodesign, a Chinese agricultural biotech company, received regulatory approval for its genetically engineered soybean seeds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The speed of this approval has indeed raised suspicions, especially considering that it was prioritized ahead of many American agricultural companies facing delays. The lawmakers are rightly questioning why Qi Biodesign received preferential treatment.
- Chinese government connections: According to Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, Qi Biodesign has “close links to the Chinese government” and is “directly supported by the PRC government” in its operations within the United States. This connection raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the strategic implications of allowing a Chinese state-backed company to operate in the U.S. agricultural sector.
Given the growing threat posed by foreign adversaries, Chairman Moolenaar has requested the Secretary of Agriculture to revisit the regulatory status review for Qi Biodesign. He also seeks answers regarding USDA’s steps to protect U.S. supply chains, ensure reciprocity, and the timeline of the regulatory review. It’s essential to address these issues transparently to maintain trust and safeguard U.S. interests.
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Huge red flags here including:
Rapid approval process. The speed at which Qi Biodesign's application was approved has raised suspicions. Moolenaar notes that the company was "prioritized for USDA regulatory approval ahead of many American agricultural companies… https://t.co/oLAoI9u8o4
— Tracy Shuchart (𝒞𝒽𝒾 ) (@chigrl) July 13, 2024