John Deere Settles Foreign Bribery Case with $9.9 Million Agreement

Sep 19, 2024

Deere & Company has agreed to pay $9.9 million to settle charges from the Security and Exchange Commission alleging that the company violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits U.S. companies from paying foreign government officials to aid in acquiring business.

The SEC concluded that Deere was in violation of the FCPA's record keeping policies and Deere & Company agreed to the SEC's order to cease and desist from further violations of the FCPA. The $9.9 million is a result of 2 separate payments — $5.4 million which the company is alleged to have profited from the scandal as well as $4.5 million in additional civil penalties.

Despite calls from various organizations for top Deere officials to resign, the terms of the $9.9 million settlement do not include any acknowledgement of fault or denial of guilt from Deere.

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Video: Veteran Farmers: A Legacy of Service in Rural America

Veterans Day is a time to honor the men and women who have selflessly protected our freedoms and values. And for some, the transition from military service to civilian life brings them back to the farm.

At Farm Bureau, we believe it’s important to not only celebrate veterans but also those who continue to make a difference in agriculture and their community. We've partnered with Farm Credit to establish the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence to shine a light on those who have continued to go above and beyond to serve their communities.

This year, we recognize retired Colonel Joe Ricker as the inaugural Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence winner. Joe served over 30 years in the Army before retiring from the Pentagon and completing tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Since leaving the Army, his commitment to excellence in farming and enriching the lives of veterans has blossomed in a myriad of ways in both his local community of Wilkinson, Indiana, and across the country. Joe grows apples and raises bees on his farm in Indiana. Joe founded “Veterans IN Farming,” an organization, now with more than 1,100 members, dedicated to providing veterans in Indiana with the tools and training to succeed in agriculture.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is an independent, non-governmental, voluntary organization, comprised of and directed by farm and ranch families who engage in all types of food, fuel and fiber production.