DOJ and USDA Join Forces to Boost Fair Competition in Agriculture

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have formalized a new partnership aimed at protecting competition in agricultural markets. The two agencies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on September 26 that focuses on key inputs such as feed, fertilizer, fuel, seed, and equipment. According to the DOJ’s Antitrust Division, the agreement strengthens existing coordination and establishes new channels for regular consultation between attorneys, economists, and technical experts. Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater said, “Antitrust enforcement ensures free market competition for agricultural inputs, lowering costs for farmers and prices for consumers. America’s farmers deserve nothing less than the best the Antitrust Division and USDA can do to promote competitive markets that free them to feed America.”

The National Farmers Union (NFU) welcomed the move, citing rising input costs and corporate consolidation as urgent challenges. NFU President Rob Larew said, “American agriculture is at a breaking point… We commend the USDA and DOJ for hearing NFU’s call to action and stepping up to confront these challenges.”