We just posted a debate on the acquisition of Smithfield Foods by Chinese firm Shuanghui International Holdings.
We asked two informed people to argue pro and con on the subject. Farmer Jill Appell says it's good for American hog farmers – until recently she was one. She's also a past president of the Illinois Pork Producers Assn. and a past president of the National Pork Producers Council.
Wenonah Hauter of Food & Water Watch says it's bad for food safety and the environment.
This is far from a done deal, and it's not just another acquisition. The purchase has stirred a lot of emotion. It would be the biggest acquisition of any American company by a Chinese firm. And it involves our food supply, not consumer electronics. Should it be allowed to happen? What will it mean for food safety? Will it adversely impact American jobs? How will affect the price of pork?
Anyway, I heartily suggest you read the two opinion pieces on Smithfield-Shuanghui Deal: Good or Bad for the U.S.? Before or after reading, we want to know what your opinion is on this subject. Give us a piece of your mind in this poll
