USDA, DOJ Partner to Safeguard Competition in Farm Supply Markets

The U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have announced a new partnership to strengthen competition in agricultural markets. On September 26, the agencies signed a Memorandum of Understanding that formalizes coordination on issues such as seed, fertilizer, fuel, feed, and equipment. The agreement sets up new channels for consultation between attorneys, economists, and technical experts, all aimed at making sure farmers and ranchers have fair access to essential inputs. Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater explained, “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 responded positively. NFU President Rob Larew pointed to rising costs and corporate consolidation as major pressures on farm families. He 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.”