In 2013, US-based Smithfield Foods – the world's largest pork producer – was bought by a Chinese firm for nearly $5 billion. But was it just a run-of-the-mill acquisition for a big Chinese company, or was there more to the story? It was a question that would send investigative reporter Nate Halverson down a rabbit hole that exposed a hidden war across the world over two vital resources: food and water. This week on Whale Hunting, Tom Wright welcomes Nate to discuss The Grab, his new documentary delving into global conspiracies to control food and water, spanning everything from China’s acquisition of US pig farms to Saudi investors exploiting Arizona’s aquifers. Nate also shares his discoveries about Blackwater mercenary Erik Prince, what Putin’s invasion of Ukraine means for world wheat supplies, and how food insecurity and climate change will make fresh water the 21st century’s new oil.

The Grab is available to stream now on Apple TV and Amazon Prime in the US, and is coming soon to screens elsewhere in the world. Find out more at www.magpictures.com/thegrab.

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