Loading...
Loading...
Chinese agents have spent years stealing proprietary corn seeds from Iowa fields, algorithms from Monsanto, and buying our food companies outright. Here's the documented evidence.
FBI Warning
"If a company in the U.S. is a world leader in something, it's likely being targeted."
— FBI Assistant Director Bill Priestap
Chinese espionage consistently targets the innovations that give American agriculture its competitive edge.
These aren't theoretical threats. These are prosecuted crimes and approved acquisitions that transferred American agricultural assets to Chinese control.
A decade of documented espionage and acquisitions targeting American agriculture.
Chinese national begins five-year operation targeting DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto corn seeds in Iowa.
Chinese scientist begins employment at Monsanto/Climate Corporation as imaging scientist.
Field manager spots Mo on his knees digging in unmarked Iowa cornfield; FBI investigation begins.
FBI intercepts 125 pounds of proprietary seeds being shipped to Hong Kong through Memphis hub.
Chinese company purchases America's largest pork producer for $4.72 billion; CFIUS approves.
Three years federal prison; ordered to forfeit two farms purchased to support criminal activities.
China's largest foreign acquisition ($43B) gives state-owned company world's leading pesticide maker.
Day after leaving Monsanto, Xiang buys one-way ticket to China; intercepted at airport with stolen algorithm.
Chinese company buys 370 acres near Grand Forks Air Force Base for corn mill; Air Force raises concerns.
City council votes down development after Air Force declares it 'significant threat to national security.'
FBI continues to report agricultural espionage attempts; Chinese ownership of Smithfield and Syngenta continues; farmland purchases near military bases under increased scrutiny.
Chinese agricultural espionage follows a consistent playbook:
Target companies that are world leaders in seeds, technology, or food production—representing years of R&D investment.
Position employees, researchers, or business contacts with access to valuable intellectual property.
Extract physical seeds from fields, copy digital algorithms, smuggle materials through airports.
When espionage fails, use legal acquisitions to purchase entire companies and their technology.
Buy farmland near military bases for intelligence collection under cover of agricultural operations.
Take our free security audit to assess your exposure to agricultural espionage threats and get personalized protection recommendations.
Start Your Free Security Audit