A top USDA official says investigations into possible anticompetitive practices among agricultural input manufacturers could lead to formal action soon.
Agri-Pulse reported that Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen (Steven) Vaden told attendees at the International Sweetener Symposium that the department is working with the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission on ongoing reviews involving companies in sectors such as fertilizer, farm equipment, seeds, and chemicals.
“The time for talking is coming to an end, and the time for action is coming,” Vaden said.
He has criticized high input costs facing farmers, particularly fertilizer prices, and said some companies have worked with USDA while others have not taken the concerns seriously. He added that civil and criminal investigations are underway, but final decisions will come from DOJ and FTC officials.
Vaden said farmers should expect announcements “in due time” as those investigations move forward.
