How World Leaders are Scrambling to Secure Food in the Shadows | Amanpour and Company

In a world full of unrest, fears are mounting about access to our most vital resources - food and water. "The Grab" is a documentary that chronicles the way certain governments are attempting to control these global resources. The journalist and director behind the film, Nate Halverson and Gabriela Cowperthwaite, join the show to discuss whether the fight over our most precious commodities could lead to geopolitical conflict.
Originally aired on June 25, 2024
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Major support for Amanpour and Company is provided by The Anderson Family Endowment, Jim Attwood and Leslie Williams, Candace King Weir, the Leila and Mickey Straus Family Charitable Trust, Mark J. Blechner, the Filomen M. D'Agostino Foundation, Seton J. Melvin, Charles Rosenblum, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Barbara Hope Zuckerberg, Jeffrey Katz and Beth Rogers, Bernard and Denise Schwartz, the JPB Foundation, the Sylvia A. and Simon B. Poyta Programming Endowment to Fight Antisemitism and Josh Weston.
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Amanpour and Company features wide-ranging, in-depth conversations with global thought leaders and cultural influencers on the issues and trends impacting the world each day, from politics, business and technology to arts, science and sports. Christiane Amanpour leads the conversation on global and domestic news from London with contributions by prominent journalists Walter Isaacson, Michel Martin, Alicia Menendez and Hari Sreenivasan from the Tisch WNET Studios at Lincoln Center in New York City.
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[@greenthumb8266]

Meanwhile Nestlè draws millions of gallons of water in Michigan daily basically for free.

[@howardleban5524]

They do it to Florida springs as well. Most are in rural areas where the local authorites are easy to co-opt with big money. Sad & Scarry.

[@tangojuli209]

And Crystal Geyser, owned by French company CG Roxamne is draining the Sierra for their nottled H20

[@phil20_20]

Meanwhile half the country is going to vote for a corporate shill for President so they can keep raping the land and selling out our future. Best to put our efforts where they can do some actual good, and vote for the people who care.

[@JenniferKastelic]

nestle has been evil for over 50 years, at least.

[@lindajamroz4807]

As a fellow Michigander, I just wanted you to know that I just shot a letter off to Governor Whitmer to get an answer. Why it's allowed to occur and what she's going to do about it! I also urged her to watch this episode. I am going to try make sure I write to ALL the NEARSIGHTED politicians I can.

[@mondoenterprises6710]

I bet that's why out of state land firms are trying to buy my 4 landlocked acres in VT within a water shed. I think I'll farm it myself or lease it to a local farmer for a fair sum.

[@bonniepoole1095]

Valuable real estate is the only really valuable thing! You're smart to keep it!

[@themanifestorsmind]

I'd suggest farming it yourself. Start now so you can get a headstarr on the learning curve before you actually NEED to grow your own food. We've been slowly farming more and more of our land, learning to grow a variety of crops, and slowly acquiring more livestock.

[@phil20_20]

Careful what's in that contract...

[@amitdhanani2640]

Self Sufficiency is only way

[@paulmccarter908]

Small time farms can save America

[@gingerc5292]

Wow- this is a REALLY important story. All of our lawmakers need to pay attention to this!!!!

[@TommyChardonneret]

@gingerc5292 Although I agree with you and gave your comment a "thumb up" endorsement, it has long been our American "lawmakers" who have transferred the political power of the American People to the vast moneyed interests of the world. Even though there is no US Constitutional basis for this Duopoly Political Party control over ALL American elections, THEY MOST CERTAINLY DO! Then the question becomes: Who controls them? Through the laughably misnomered legislation entitled "Campaign Reform," they invented Dark Money PAC's. And the private non-profit corporations that control both the Democratic Party and the Republican Party, the DNC and the RNC, have no obligation whatsoever to disclose the identities of these worldwide massive moneyed interests WHO MOST CERTAINLY "CONTRIBUTE" TO CAMPAIGN FINANCING IN THE GOOD OL' US of A! And that's even though the federal law is still "on the books" prohibiting ANY foreign person or power from contributing even "one red cent" to ANY American election - even if it's for the local dog catcher!

[@Emmy-J]

Corporations basically control our government and their greed is the most important thing to them.

[@Donkor640]

We’re so screwed… with only one half of our government capable of governing, and the other half trying to implement the Christian version of shariah law. We are previewing how a superpower falls off the top tier. 😢

[@justadam1917]

I have no doubt they are very aware and making very wise investments

[@gingerc5292]

@@justadam1917 A joke right?

[@OldJackWolf]

Meanwhile, back here in the States, GW Bush eliminated the US Strategic Grain Reserve about 15 years ago, in spite of what we knew about climate change. The administration felt there was enough storage, they said, available in corporate storage facilities and knew they'd never gouge us when emergencies arise. Yeah, right.

[@magesalmanac6424]

And back then republicans supposedly cared about small business. Sure sure.

[@kated3165]

Did they pinky swear at least?

[@OldJackWolf]

@@kated3165 The Cheney rule prevents me from disclosing anything... I know nothing.

[@phil20_20]

Proof that too many people will believe any lie that's big enough.

[@marcariotto1709]

Funny how the Bush family never talks about their super massive land holdings in the Amazon basin either!

[@phil20_20]

There is a lot more beneath the surface of our current political situation in this country. Behind the scenes, our so-called "corporate america" is consolidating our natural resources. It's not just big oil anymore.

[@pixpusha]

There were no supplies or food in the stores during COVID but I know for a fact many factories were still producing. Makes me wonder where a lot of that stuff went.

[@beakerstreet1090]

I remember seeing my first "bottled" water for sale in the early 80's. It was a Pierre in the green glass bottle. At the time, I thought that this will never fly! Why buy water, when it's free everywhere. Man, was I so wrong!

[@tw8464]

The corporations will be charging for air next.

[@janetsecchi5070]

WATER IS NOT A COMMODITY. IT IS LIFE!

[@magesalmanac6424]

Shouldn’t be* but it already is a commodity

[@coreydonohoe8121]

It is both

[@sujo0603]

Life is a commodity for the global elite.

[@SeanOHanlon]

The private equity investors on Wall Street don't see it that way.

[@Bushman9]

As soon as I heard Bill Gates was buying US farm land, I knew he knew something I/we didn’t.

[@hrhtreeoflife4815]

Q Hint: I have been alerting 📢 people since the late 90s.... You should stockpile not just food and water purification system. But EVERYTHING. Extra clothing, tools, comforters, etc.... Q❤

[@ayotundealele1465]

Wow. Not surprised by any of this happening, but I am shocked by the speed and decisiveness by which it is happening on foreign land by various outside agents! Fascinating stuff.

[@tracyclark7560]

Journalist Nate Halverson you have every right to view this information exactly as you see it. Write on brother. 1982 I gave a thoughtful answer as a beauty pageant finalist, I said water needs to be discussed and focused on. Of course people thought I was different, because I was. Water, coffee, nutritional perishable food is as valuable as diamonds, rubies, pearls, gas, oil, john deere heavy equipment. Going on a Lion Hunt is a book I have on amazon, it's a script for school age as a learning tool providing framework. Talk to me, things are getting more serious every day.

[@davidkottman3440]

People talk about this like it's new news, but there were discussions about weaponising food and water access already in the late '70s when I was in college. That discussion led directly to the Carter administration embargo on grain exports to russia.

[@CyberspacedLoner]

Thanks for making me aware of this important documentary,

[@tomknoll796]

If you haven't already, I highly encourage you to go watch 'The Grab' immediately. Riveting and informative. If you want some foresight into the geo-politics of the 21st century, it provides a great lens.

[@mellow5123]

Funny. All they have to do is protect/restore/expand native flora/fauna/soil + eradicate pollution. The recipe is very simple.

[@daniellatanswell3990]

No money in that..

[@godfreycarmichael]

When it boils down to water resources, it will be vicious indeed. It will be Mad Max time.

[@Emiliapocalypse]

We won’t have it as good as the fantasy of mad max. There won’t be any cars because gasoline doesn’t store very long. Life after this kind of decline will be even worse than our fantasies of it have been

[@xxgoodnevil17xx]

​@@EmiliapocalypseJust look at what happened during covid way worse than what movies have shown about those situations

[@agritech802]

The small family farm needs to be preserved and food prices will have to increase significantly to ensure that farm families can have enough income to sustain themselves

[@lorrainemuller4609]

And factory farms / feed lots need to be outlawed… bring us back to our roots… it’s far more sustainable to have lots of small farms than those giant places that churn out unhealthy food…

[@mikjb]

I knew about the hay years ago and when I talked about it people looked at me like I was a lunatic. I have never understood how non citizens can own land in another country, not just ours, any country.

[@BillionaireTaxEvader]

@@mikjb Everything is for sale in America. Everything. This is anything but a great country. It's more of a capitalist playground to extract money from working people.

[@elizabethannehin5429]

Superb, deepest gratitude to you all.

[@connieboling4228]

I think we need to stop these companies from doing this! We have to protect our water as well.

[@giancarlopellizzari1751]

8 billion people spells doom. Mic drop.

[@diannebass1051]

There will not be 8 billion people by then even though there is plenty of land and water !! Some people are full blown greedy and gluttony! God knew exactly how many people would be here and how much land mass was needed and water ! GOD , does not make mistakes , the greed of man does in sin ! Sadly people will convince people there is a shortage with lies and propaganda! And battles and stealing will lead to wars and all for just a few that are greedy and lawless ! God have mercy on your children come LORD JESUS BEFORE THIS GOES MUCH FUTHER!🙏

[@curlybill3966]

Do you want to volunteer?

[@zelle8651]

50-60% of airable land might be in sub saharan africa but with lack of environmental policies the land will remain fertile for so long making this a very temporary solution. Industrial farming should not be introduced without any environmental policies.

[@noelday2588]

WE ARE SO FKD!!!!!!!!!

[@hrhtreeoflife4815]

Q Calm down. Cool 😎 heads do prevail. Start SMALL. ADD a little bit every single day. Start small: buy SEEDS...edibles like tomatoes 🍅, parsley, potatoes 🥔, onions, carrots 🥕, etc.. Dollar Tree 🌳 stores are a great place to start. Containers, soils, fertilizer. Next, stock a small pantry. 5 cans a week. Canned fruits, vegetables, and meats. After that, focus on dry goods: rice 🍚, pasta, and beans 🫘. 30 year + lasting food supplies: go with grains such as WHEAT that's unprocessed. Get a grain grinder. 3 simple ingredients to make life sustaining bread 🍞. Flour, salt, and water. To make more complex breads, include yeast and sugar, and herbs 🌿 in your pantry. SPICES make dull foods taste better. PRINT OUT 3 TO 5 INGREDIENTS RECIPES. Test them out to see if you like them. Stick to those you will enjoy 😉. LASTLY, LEARN TO TRADE AND BARTER. What do I mean? Develop a network of people who are willing to exchange things with. If you have useful clothes you would throw out or donate...instead, find a friend 🧡 to trade with. They might 🤔 know someone your clothes fit! They might give you lemon 🍋 or oranges 🍊 or something for your generosity! Q❤

[@roberthevern6169]

This is 'big picture' stuff! I hope my 40something kids think about what may be on the horizon for their kids (my grandkids!)!

[@cmvamerica9011]

Civilization could fall apart in a matter of days; it is teetering on a razors edge now.😢

[@Seawithinyou]

Aotearoa New Zealand Beware as Countries will eventually need to sustain their own countries 😇🌏💖

[@soraidadiaz9108]

People have been talking about this for years now. They used to call it a conspiracy, now we have military age men walking straight through the borders. 😢

[@beakerstreet1090]

I remember watching a movie called "Soylent Green" around the same time I first saw a bottled water for sale, in the early 80's. I hope that doesn't come true as well!

[@CynthiePompey9999]

Are u kidding me, research. people have been soylent green ( wars creat it )

[@whathashappened2us]

Soylent green was made out of protesters if i remember correctly.

[@winstongibson3732]

Maybe use water to grow food for people, not cattle. In other news Ozempic et al sales are increasing in China.

[@user-vh5kf4ll1r]

This has been happening for years

[@greenthumb8266]

Yes , look what Nestlè does. I’ve been bching about this for years. And why are people allowed to sell American land to other countries?

[@Seawithinyou]

Fascinating Scarey stuff and Definitely a must watch Doco Film Beware Aotearoa New Zealand 🥗🌏🧐

[@cmvamerica9011]

Because we haven’t paid attention to our food and water.

[@jul.escobar]

Food and water is the cause of all of these wars.

[@vilasrajwade9979]

Should there be a long-term policy and concerted drive for 'War on Waste - of water and food'!

[@HomeEF]

Very good information. Oh my Lord help us all. 🙏

[@nat9909]

Countries all over the world see the coming catastrophe. If you don't secure resources now, it will be too late. Desperation is already starting to show, and it's only going to get much worse.

[@paulmccarter908]

Great. A huge expansion of the water and climate altering beef industry. Fantasitic

[@chrisjohnson8262]

The problem, the real problem, is over-population and greed. Food deserts, water shortages, migration, climate change all eventually tie back to too many of us people on the planet all with excessive needs.

[@shareika]

In King's Landing, they simply killed all the thieves and smugglers before they were besieged, in order to keep them from inflating food as a currency. That gives me some ideas.

[@pixpusha]

I don't remember that part of the book.

[@anneduigan4933]

Why if food is of short supply do the big supermarkets subscribe to certain sizes and tell the farmers to dig the rest back into the soil.

[@JugglinJellyTake01]

Water has become the limiting resource. That is only going to get worse considering we do not consider the strategic importance of water and the need for investment in more capacity in a changing climate.

[@TwelveTribesForever]

That's funny. Before you mentioned Erik Prince I was thinking how that's what he is up to.

[@BillionaireTaxEvader]

Did u know Prince and Betsy DeVos are brother sister? No conflicts of interest there.

[@TwelveTribesForever]

@@BillionaireTaxEvader Yes. Betsy DeVos was the middle woman and Trump is compromised. I believe that now.

[@truenorth2977]

Howdid the rest of us not know you can go into the desert of Arizona and buy up unregulated land and pump as much water as you damn well please - we could've started our own Poland Spring company. $$$$

[@tw8464]

It's crazy the Arizona state legislature allows this. Unfreakin believable

[@SeanOHanlon]

"Trying to build consensus on what to with what [water] we have left seems like a no-brainer." Madame, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida have been fighting over water rights to the Chattahoochee River since the 90's.

[@kasondaleigh]

Frightening, but not surprising. Plant a garden. Good luck.

[@spotty67]

What if there's no water to grow it?

[@luciatheron1621]

There are ways to capture water. Find out what to do, work with your communities and neighbours. ​@@spotty67

[@rhonndataciak7834]

India, Russia and China have very proactive policy towards climate change, agriculture, and soil regeneration. I have a young Ukrainian student who has started in my class this year. When I asked him about why Russia has invaded Ukraine he simply said ‘because they want our soil’. Meanwhile America and Australia meander along eyes wide shut.

[@testymann5045]

This is nothing new. When will the US government stop this?

[@lindarichardson4986]

The USG favors corrupt capitalism.

[@BillionaireTaxEvader]

Everything is for sale in the US. Everything.

[@71suns]

Especially the population of consumer units.

[@LucianSpelta99]

America WAKE UP!!!!!!!

[@lizkeith1356]

THE NSA AND HS SHOULD BE ALL OVER THIS...PROTECTING THE U.S.

[@robertsontirado4478]

During WWII the Nazi tried to starve their enemies by sinking cargo ships with food.

[@cmvamerica9011]

And we wonder why people commit suicide.😢

[@bwanna23]

Who is purchasing this land AND who are they purchasing it from?

[@Emmy-J]

The rich oligarchs who want to take control of the world. They make it so that they do dishonest things to make the owner sell. They have been trying to shut down smaller farms all over the US also to have total control of the food source.

[@88Blazehaze]

Trust the universe

[@kassiapencek6185]

Yep I haven't even past watching half of this and relate to fighting from foreign banked construction company is buying up precious fresh spring fed land by my house. The zoning agents were infiltrated by monetary tempatation. I never thought about being unable to fight from not knowing the language and being forbidden to reach courts oversees with targeted passport denial strategies....terrifying 🤬

[@johnryan2193]

They stopped making land a few years ago

[@fourtails1192]

This would be funny if it wasn't so evil . On one hand we are being told to go Vegan or resort to eating insects,while others are stocking up on livestock 🤔

[@MyWalk3296]

Why are we allowing it in our country

[@tw8464]

The planet is running out of food and water. And the trickle down corporations say, "Nothing wrong with anything about the way we're doing everything. Nothing wrong with 'infinite growth.' Nothing wrong with rampant consumerism. Nothing wrong with burning fossil fuels. Let's just continue business as usual because it's taking humanity in such a 'good' direction. Just look the other way everyone. Nothing to see here."

[@deborahdaniel9791]

Mission Impossible? or 007 which movie would feature this phenomenon ?

[@drorbenami4827]

Famine is coming to Egypt.....but they have a big flagpole !!!

[@PaulaTourville-po7fg]

Climate change implications have only just begun to impact water and food availability .

[@Pecisk]

They started that war because they wanted control to Ukraine. However resources play important role as well. I wouldn't pay too much attention to private companies. When push come to shove their rights will be negated. Country won't compromise their security that way.

[@Glen-uy4jt]

A longer arc ?

[@loring5784]

So how does the attack on farming all across Europe and the United States fit in to this equation?

[@TwelveTribesForever]

Thus saith the Lord our God: Habakkuk 2:5-9 [5]Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, he is a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people: [6]Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay! [7]Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them? [8]Because thou hast spoiled many nations, all the remnant of the people shall spoil thee; because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein. [9]Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil!

[@donnadesmoulin1146]

Eric prince has a role in the deaths of the Boeing whistleblowers, follow that rabbit hole.

[@mantralife6620]

Control the food control the people . We all need a garden in every yard

[@FarmerRiddick]

Food, Water, Shelter. The utmost basic needs. Water security is at risk, food security is at risk. Well... at least we have all these sub divisions along with the added infrastructure to all of that, on what was farmland in many areas of the U.S. Where I am on my 40 acres of agricultural land, I'm only permitted to irrigate 1 acre. However, I can water as much livestock as I want. Our water laws make as much sense as a monkey picking it's butt to organize it's thoughts - while on an acid trip, no less. All farmers can do better with the modern technologies available like, drip irrigation, however, the government water laws, politicians and regulators can't pull their collective heads out their nether regions, here the southwest, to make such options available.

[@johnransom1146]

Increased growing season? Lots of water? Canada?

[@Bushman9]

Yeah, now’s the time to buy up Canadian farm land. Our dolt crime minister is too busy avoiding accountability for a multitude of scandals to ever see what’s coming.

[@mieliav]

very important.

[@user-vi5vy3kr2w]

Scary but true

[@chevalvivant]

Alfalfa prices for livestock have significantly increased for the last two decades, we’re shipping it overseas instead of selling it here for our livestock, all about greed for money instead of supporting your own country

[@DistractedDaisy]

I think they’ve stopped that alfalfa farm in Arizona, we need an update.

[@OneSun11]

This film in itself serves a skewed perspective. These countries are buying industrialized food. Worthless for what it is being purchased for. I live in an area where people raise their own. Let them buy up all that industrialized garbage. It will give the same diseases that it is causing here. RAISE YOUR OWN FOOD. SUPPORT THOSE WHO ARE DOING THIS.

[@Beardog53]

How can China buy American water rights.PASS A LAW THAT ONLY CITIZENS CAN BUY LAND CORPORATIONS MUST LEASE

[@billinsf88]

What water rights did China purchased? In the video it’s was the Saudis in Arizona.

[@sunnersky5996]

Wow

[@xxbatflowerxx]

Wow all the dystopian films from my youth are coming true

[@myphd-myprisonhistorydiplo691]

Wow getting kicked out of a country for reporting on farms!! That SPEAKS VOLUMES!!

[@thosethatcan]

Rik skott nestle in FL.. no telling. Savdis , alfalfa sprouts farms?! NM AZ? .. water 💦

[@enckidoofalling2883]

I’m glad I have a breadfruit tree and wild pigs next door

[@dad102]

Wow.

[@tangojuli209]

And last nite Paramount deleted all the clips n episodes of kon stewarts daily show and other comedy central properties

[@rawlsrules]

I will look for this documentary. Who is that guy talking about China importing food as a proxy for water: how does that work? And he said "our way" is buying farmland in order to sell food to those who do not have arable farmland? Disgusting.

[@vivienhill7934]

Scare us first and then the government will save us ..by taking over the farms etc -right ?----Farmers are much harder to control financially and politically.

[@josephchettupuzha8689]

Ukraine War has shown Africa that they can do very well without European and American food.

[@brynnh.4741]

This doc is 2 years old. Not new news.

[@bobleclair5665]

2:45,, leave the little farmers alone

[@anitamtubatuba5050]

PLEASE RESEARCH PRIMARY WATER!!!

[@kevinjenner9502]

Reuters 6/2/24. “China food security law comes into force, aims for absolute self sufficiency”

[@suewills3514]

NO NOT EAT ANIMALS

[@angiejefferys5779]

China has plenty of water they just don't have as much fresh water. So that's no excuse for them to come to the United States and take water. Purification centers can be built. There's something more going on here

[@RamonaRayTodosSantosBCS]

M surrounded by food. And have land and can grow my own I have chickens. I eat fresh fish 3 times a week. Free

[@wirefly1000]

Private equity companies very very bad

[@alphaomega8373]

American cowboys to Russia, now i see why MAGA supports Russia.

[@spotty67]

Mega has no knowledge of this.

[@luciatheron1621]

​@@spotty67maga has no knowledge. Punt!

[@user-cv7kf2fg1z]

Protip: Maybe they should stop paying farmers to burn crops to raise tax margins 😡

[@marketads1]

Can’t watch knowing we already have beginning oligarchy with ties to these foreign forces. Allowing mercenaries in Kansas? We’re done.

[@markthornton7347]

those who think ahead survive....everyone grabs its the human trait....you are compassionate as long as your comfortably well fed and warm, or cool...all this. I saw decades ago, it docent take a college grad...its a bit humorous your way late in caring...

[@captiveexile2670]

You can't eat your TOYOTA, folks! But I swear by mine--- you just can't "Kill a TOYOTA", and if you use the right oil and check it every tim you drive it--it'll take you anyhere you have a discount coupon to use!

[@shannonperez9408]

Reach out to their one percent why don’t you get his call the guy that owns Amazon and ask him to make a donation or call Bill Gates or call George Soros there are plenty people around the world that could fix this but the issue is is that they’re trillionaire of dollars are not under their name. They’re under trust they look like they make nothing fix that problem and people won’t be going hungry, go take their money.

[@JenniferKastelic]

I cannot digest beef, pork or lamb. Somehow I live and have joy and fun. The way people are so fixated on mammalian meat.... I do not get it. Seems like it would make more sense to be fixed on enough food to feed everyone. Talk about tunnel vision and shooting your own foot.

[@huehaiscoville-pope940]

But we also keep hearing about global population decline. What's driving the need for this? Climate change?