Mindi Schneider, a researcher in Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Science Development Sociology department, discusses the business and social implications of a Chinese company acquiring Smithfield Foods.
Schneider says: “Shuanghui's interest in Smithfield is primarily for servicing the massive and growing Chinese market for pork.
“China's commercial pork sector is already technologically on par with that in the U.S. Large-scale commercial operations in China use the same hog breeds, feeds, housing and production methods as similar operations in the U.S. and elsewhere.
“This deal is primarily about securing pork for Chinese consumers, and profits for Shuanghui's domestic and international shareholders.”
Media note: Schneider’s research focuses on the Chinese pork industry, agribusiness, and smallholder farming. She is the author of a 2011 report published by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy called "Feeding China's Pigs: Implications for the Environment, China's Smallholder Farmers and Food Security."
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