A coalition of 16 state corn organizations is urging federal lawmakers to press the U.S. Department of Justice to move quickly with its investigation into the fertilizer industry, arguing that farmers need greater competition and transparency in the marketplace.
The groups sent a letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Ranking Member Dick Durbin of Illinois, asking them to encourage the Justice Department to expedite its review of alleged anti-competitive practices within the fertilizer sector.
The request follows a call in late May from Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson for an investigation into the fertilizer industry's business practices.
In their letter, the state corn organizations said that while announcements of investigations are encouraging, farmers need meaningful action to address concerns about competition.
"Announcements and reports of investigations are welcome news, but it will take decisive action to restore free and fair markets so that the same competitive environment farmers face when selling their crops is present when they purchase inputs like fertilizer," the organizations wrote.
The groups added that multiple strategies will be necessary to improve market conditions for producers, emphasizing that the Justice Department should conduct its review of potential collusive practices "with utmost urgency."
Farm organizations have long expressed concerns about consolidation in the fertilizer industry, arguing that limited competition has contributed to higher input costs at a time when many producers are already facing tight profit margins.
The letter reflects continued efforts by corn growers to encourage federal regulators and lawmakers to examine fertilizer pricing and market practices as producers prepare for future growing seasons.