YDSTIE: And Stabenow pointed out that much of Smithfield's technology was developed with the aid of U.S. SENATOR DEBBIE STABENOW: Can we expect that after the company has adopted Smithfield's excellent technology and practices, they will increase exports to Japan, our largest export market, in competition with U.S. Here's the chair of the Senate Ag Committee Debbie Stabenow, a Democrat from Michigan. But senators were also concerned that through its purchase of Smithfield, the Chinese company Shuanghui might have a long-term strategy to move production to China and compete with U.S. Pope pointed out that all of Smithfield's products will continue to be produced under the laws of the United States and USDA inspection programs, not the laws of China. SIEGEL: That last phrase from Smithfield CEO sounds like he was trying to reassure senators that China's dismal food safety record won't become a problem for U.S. At the same time, we will continue to supply our same high-quality renowned products to U.S. producers, more jobs in processing and more exports for the U.S. LARRY POPE: The combined company expects to help meet the growing demand for pork in China by exporting high-quality pork products from the U.S. Here's a little more of what he had to say. He told senators that pork is the number one source of protein in China, and consumption continues to grow as Chinese incomes grow. for export to China, so there's a potential for job growth from the deal. YDSTIE: Robert, Pope tried to emphasis that Smithfield will continue to produce pork in the U.S. SIEGEL: Smithfield's CEO Larry Pope was at the hearing today trying to allay the senators' concern. NPR's John Ydstie has been following the testimony today and joins us now. Both Democratic and Republican senators have expressed concerns about the $4.7 billion deal and its potential effects on U.S. That's because a Chinese company has offered to buy America's largest pork processor. Members of the Senate Agriculture Committee had a lot of questions today about the takeover of Smithfield Foods. You're listening to ALL THINGS CONSIDERED from NPR News.
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