Farmers Welcome FTC’s Investigation Into Fertilizer Industry Pricing Practices

By Tara Desmond  

The Federal Trade Commission has launched a long-awaited investigation into the fertilizer industry’s pricing practices and market concentration, Chairman Andrew Ferguson announced today during a gathering of farmers representing 18 states at a North Texas farm.

“I’m announcing that, on my order, the commission some time ago commenced a major industry-wide investigation into the precipitous rise of fertilizer prices in this country, which has affected so many of our nation’s farmers, including everyone in this room, including the issuance of compulsory process,” Chairman Ferguson said. “USDA data has shown the single largest increase in input costs of farmers across the United States since 2020 has come from fertilizer… These continued price increases are not something our nation, much less our farmers, can continue to ignore.”

The announcement drew strong support from agricultural leaders and farmers attending the event.

“Illinois farmers have been dealing with skyrocketing fertilizer costs for years while farm income continues to tighten,” said IL Corn Growers Association President Mark Bunselmeyer. “Farmers are asking for transparency and accountability in a market that feels increasingly stacked against family farms. We appreciate the FTC taking a serious look at fertilizer pricing practices and market concentration because these costs impact not only farmers, but every consumer buying food at the grocery store.”