(The Epoch Times)—Over 2,500 years ago, a renowned Chinese strategist launched trade wars—food wars, more specifically—to conquer other states.
A similar scenario in which communist China dominates the world through food security is what U.S. lawmakers are trying to avoid by holding a hearing on Wednesday about “the danger China poses to American agriculture.”
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem told lawmakers, “The threat is very real to us every single day.”
According to her, Chinese nationals contacted her state’s Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources last summer, “wishing to meet, tour, and have conversations about how we process and grow our food.” She said her staffers declined the meetings and learned days later from the State Department that those Chinese were spies “trying to steal our Intellectual Property and crop genetics.”
‘Asymmetric Warfare’
The Grain and Material Reserves Bureau of Hebei, the province surrounding Beijing, listed the Chinese strategist’s acts as the earliest historical “food war” lessons.
For example, the duke of Qi set off the trend of wearing cotton. Citizens of Qi began to buy cotton from two neighboring states, Lu and Liang, elevating cotton prices. As a result, those states abandoned agriculture and focused on producing cotton for profit.
However, a year later, Qi stopped buying cotton and cut off its trade with Lu and Liang, which couldn’t feed their own citizens. Many people in Lu and Liang migrated to Qi. Three years later, Lu and Liang folded under Qi without a war.
Calling food warfare a form of “asymmetric warfare,” the article published by Hebei’s Grain and Material Reserves Bureau says, “Food warfare is an alternative form of war, mainly characterized by long-term siege and starvation.
“The initiator uses the form of cutting off food sources, restricting food trade, destroying food storage, and forcibly expropriating people’s rations to achieve the goals by creating manmade famine, chaos, and unrest.”
Ms. Noem is concerned about U.S. agricultural dependence on China.
At the hearing, she warned lawmakers that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) intends to “buy up our entire food supply chain.” She said she had witnessed Chinese purchases of fertilizer companies, food processing companies, and now farmland.
“When America can’t feed itself, and we rely on other members of another country to feed us, it becomes a national security issue. The country that feeds us will control us,” she added.
Reduce Dependence on China
Members of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture expressed bipartisan consensus on the threat the CCP poses. “Food security is national security,” lawmakers on both sides of the aisle said repeatedly throughout the hearing.
Josh Gackle, president of the American Soybean Association, shared with lawmakers China’s dominance as an export destination for U.S. soybean farmers.
China accounted for over half of the United States’ total soybean exports during the crop’s 2022/2023 marketing year, or Sept. 1, 2022, through Aug. 31, 2023. The total was $32.6 billion in 2023, of which China bought $18.8 billion, and the second largest destination was about $3.3 billion.
“The sheer scale of China’s demand for soybeans—more than 60% of global soy imports—cannot be replaced. One in three rows of soybeans grown in the U.S. is destined for China,” Mr. Gackle said, describing the current level of dependency on China.
To diversify markets, he identified Southeast Asia as a potential candidate. However, developing new markets can be rather costly. Therefore, he advocated for private-public partnerships in the United States and corresponding appropriations in the next farm bill, on a five-year update schedule required by law.
The current farm bill was enacted in 2018. President Joe Biden extended it through Sept. 30, 2024, while lawmakers firm up the updated version.
How to Prepare for Food Emergencies if You Don’t Have a Homestead or Bunker
In an unpredictable world, where supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, or economic instability can strike without warning, having a reliable food supply is more than just smart—it’s essential for survival. Whether you’re a “prepper” or not, we all know the golden rule: self-sufficiency is key. But what if you’re living in an apartment, working long hours, or simply don’t have the land to turn into a thriving homestead? Don’t worry; there’s a practical, effective way to build your food security without needing acres of soil or a fortified bunker.
The Ideal Prep: Building Your Own Food Empire
The ultimate dream for any serious prepper is controlling your own food production. Imagine waking up to a sprawling garden bursting with fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs—tomatoes ripening on the vine, potatoes ready to harvest, and greens that provide nutrition year-round. Add in livestock like chickens for eggs and meat, and you’ve got a self-sustaining system that keeps your family fed no matter what chaos unfolds outside.
This approach isn’t just about calories; it’s about resilience. A well-maintained garden can yield hundreds of pounds of produce annually, while a small flock of chickens might produce dozens of eggs weekly. It’s empowering, cost-effective in the long run, and teaches invaluable skills like crop rotation, animal husbandry, and preservation techniques. If you have the space, time, and resources, starting small and scaling up is the best path to true independence.
The Reality Check: Not Everyone Can Homestead
But let’s face it—not all of us are in a position to go full homesteader. Urban dwellers might be limited to a balcony or community plot that’s far from sufficient for long-term needs. Busy professionals juggling jobs, families, and daily life often lack the hours required for daily tending. And for those in apartments, condos, or regions with harsh climates, raising livestock or maintaining a large garden simply isn’t feasible. Factors like zoning laws, soil quality, water access, or even physical limitations can make this ideal out of reach.
That’s where the frustration sets in. You want to be prepared, but without a homestead or bunker, how do you ensure your pantry doesn’t run dry during a prolonged crisis? The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice your preparedness goals. There’s a smart, accessible alternative that bridges the gap: investing in high-quality, long-term storage food.
The Smart Alternative: Long-Term Storage Food from Heaven’s Harvest
Long-term storage food is designed for exactly these scenarios—providing nutrient-dense, shelf-stable meals that last for decades without refrigeration or special conditions. It’s the perfect solution for preppers who can’t rely on fresh production but still demand reliability and variety in their emergency stockpile.
At Heaven’s Harvest, they specialize in premium survival food kits that make preparedness effortless. Their products are crafted with the prepper mindset in mind: non-GMO, made in the USA, and packed with real ingredients that taste like home-cooked meals, not bland rations. Whether you’re stocking up for a short-term blackout or a long-haul SHTF event, our kits offer:
- Extended Shelf Life: Up to 25 years of storage, so you can buy once and forget about rotation worries.
- Nutritional Balance: High-protein entrees, fruits, vegetables, and dairy alternatives to keep your energy up and health intact.
- Ease of Preparation: Just add water, and you’ve got hearty meals like beef stroganoff, chili mac, or cheesy lasagna ready in minutes—no garden weeding required.
- Customizable Options: From individual buckets to family-sized kits, scale your supply to fit your needs and budget.
- Peace of Mind: Sealed in durable, waterproof containers that protect against pests, moisture, and light.
Unlike generic store-bought cans that spoil quickly or lack variety, Heaven’s Harvest focuses on quality and sustainability. Our food is freeze-dried or dehydrated to lock in flavor and nutrients, ensuring you’re not just surviving but thriving. And for those concerned about allergens or dietary preferences, we offer gluten-free and vegetarian options to keep everyone covered.
Why Wait? Secure Your Food Supply Today
Preparing for food emergencies doesn’t require a homestead or bunker—it requires action. By choosing long-term storage food from Heaven’s Harvest, you’re taking control in a way that fits your lifestyle. Start small with a 72-hour kit to test the waters, or go all-in with a year’s supply for ultimate security.
Visit Heaven’s Harvest today and use code “PATRIOT” for an exclusive discount on your order. Don’t let limitations hold you back; build your resilient future, one meal at a time. Your family will thank you when it matters most.
