The USDA has extended its comment period from May 16, 2022, to June 15, 2022, with regard to information regarding competition in the markets for fertilizer, seed, and agricultural inputs, in particular as they relate to the intellectual property, system, and retail, including access to retail through wholesale and distribution markets (GM March 18, p. 27).
“As I talk to farmers, ranchers, and agriculture and food companies about the recent market challenges, I hear significant concerns about whether large companies along the supply chain are taking advantage of the situation by increasing profits – not just responding to supply and demand or passing along the costs,” said Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in March when the inquiry was launched.
The inquiry stems from the July 9, 2021, Executive Order on “Promoting Competition in the American Economy,” which created a White House Competition Council and directed federal agency actions to enhance fairness and competition across America’s economy.
Comments can be submitted to www.regulations.gov or sent to Jaina Nian, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, Room 2055-S, STOP 0201, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, D.C 20250-0201. Comments will be made available for public inspection at the above address during regular business hours or online.
USDA said it will use the comments received to develop reports mandated under the Competition E.O., and to develop policies relating to fair and competitive markets, supply chain resiliency, pandemic response, local and regional food systems, and other areas.