Powering Change in Food Systems

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has embarked on a pioneering venture alongside bipartisan state attorneys general from 31 states and the District of Columbia to enhance competition and protect consumers within the food and agriculture supply chains.  

This collaborative effort, announced by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, seeks to address anticompetitive market structures and practices that have led to price gouging, limited choices, and barriers for both producers and consumers. 

With a steadfast commitment to combatting corporate consolidation and promoting a fairer economy, the Administration is determined to address the negative impacts of unfair competition and soaring prices.  

Through cooperative agreements and joint initiatives, the USDA and state attorneys general will tackle anticompetitive behavior in various sectors, including grocery, meat and poultry processing, and retail. By providing the necessary resources and expertise, this partnership aims to cultivate a more vibrant and competitive agricultural industry, which serves as a cornerstone of the American economy. 

The USDA's Agricultural Competition Partnership follows President’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy and takes a comprehensive strategy incorporating both federal and state agencies.  

Responding to a request from state attorneys general, the USDA will empower them to conduct on-the-ground assessments of competition and consumer issues. The partnership will foster better coordination between federal and state agriculture and competition authorities, establish independent research programs, and promote fair and competitive markets with resilient supply chains. 

To promote collaboration between the attorneys general and the USDA, the Centre for State Enforcement of Antitrust and Consumer Protection Laws, an objective and nonpartisan organization, is working with the USDA.   

While a project selection advisory group reviews project requests and makes recommendations, an oversight committee will manage the project's governance and transparency standards. The USDA has allocated $15 million for competition-related partnerships, with a significant portion dedicated to supporting joint efforts with state attorneys general. 

To enhance transparency and reduce confusion in the complex seed system, the USDA has also introduced the Farmer Seed Liaison initiative. This coordinated team of USDA staff and academic cooperators will collaborate to develop strategies for connecting farmers, plant breeders, seed producers, and other stakeholders with federal agencies. 

A new web resource has been launched to simplify access to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) pending docket of plant patents and plant breeding-related utility patents, providing farmers with greater transparency on the patent system's impact. 

By fostering collaboration and addressing anticompetitive practices, the USDA and state attorneys general are working together to promote fair competition, protect consumers, and foster innovation in the agricultural industry.