Thank you, Mr. Chair.
The number of people facing acute global food insecurity has soared from 135 million to 345 million people since 2019. In 45 countries, 50 million people right now are approaching famine. That is all directly related to ongoing conflict and in particular to the war in Ukraine.
What may not be known nearly as well is that China is now the world's largest food importer. Of course, we're seeing the relationship between China and Russia unfold before our eyes, specifically on food and food production inputs like fertilizer. It's going to lead to further competition for food, and that's further justification for this study.
The year 2020 was the first year that China recorded—and this stat I found astounding—160 million households with a disposable income of over $25,000. That's more than the United States, which only has a 120 million such households. Think about that for a moment from the perspective of the three As of food security: availability, accessibility and affordability. In addition, China is attempting to feed its population by branching out through its belt and road initiative, with much work in Africa. It's leading to much of the climate degradation and deforestation around the world.
With the six points I cited, I would hope that this committee would consider this motion and consider its priority in its deliberations going forward.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.