Senators Ask for Next Steps on Agriculture Competition

Press Release

Senator Chuck Grassley, along with Senator Patrick Leahy, today asked for the next steps planned for agricultural competition issues by the Departments of Justice and Agriculture. The two agencies held joint workshops over the last year to learn about the key competition issues facing the agriculture industry. Grassley and Leahy are respectively Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which has jurisdiction over federal antitrust policy. Both senators are also members of the Senate Agriculture Committee which has jurisdiction over the Packers and Stockyards Administration.

"The agriculture industry has consolidated to the point where family farmers, independent producers and other smaller market participants do not have equal access to fair and competitive markets. Increased concentration in agriculture will lead to fewer product choices and higher product prices for the American consumer," Grassley said. "The workshops offered a chance for people involved in the ag industry to voice their concerns and provide comment. It was a strong signal that the two agencies were communicating about this important issue. Now, it's time to take another step forward. I look forward to hearing what the Justice Department and Agriculture Department have in mind."

Grassley is a strong advocate for increased competition in agriculture and has sought to ensure healthy competition in the agriculture industry for all market participants by taking legislative action and conducting aggressive oversight. The 2008 farm bill included positive steps in market transparency and increased competition, based on legislation sponsored by Grassley, but he has reiterated the need for additional action.

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