USDA DOJ act on farm market fairness
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have announced a new joint initiative to review competitive conditions in the agricultural marketplace. The move comes at a time when many American farmers are struggling with rising input costs and shrinking margins.
National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew said this decision answers long-standing calls from the farming community for action against market concentration. He emphasized that a small number of corporations control the seed, fertilizer, and farm supply industries, leaving producers vulnerable to sharp price increases.
“American agriculture is at a breaking point. Rising input costs are hitting family farmers and ranchers hard, and corporate consolidation is a major cause. When just a handful of companies control the markets for seed, fertilizer and other farm supplies, they can raise prices at will. This leaves farmers squeezed between skyrocketing costs and low prices for their products. That is unsustainable for farm families, rural communities or consumers.” said Larew.
According to NFU, many farm families are caught between soaring production expenses and low returns for their crops and livestock. This pressure not only threatens farmers’ financial stability but also affects rural communities and consumers who rely on affordable food.
The USDA and DOJ’s joint initiative will focus on ensuring fair competition and transparency across farm markets. NFU believes the effort will provide a path toward easing the financial strain on producers while strengthening the resilience of U.S. agriculture.
Larew noted that NFU looks forward to working with both agencies to secure policies that deliver fairness, reduce costs, and support farm families nationwide.
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