Federal Crackdown: DOJ and USDA Team Up to Police Farm Input Markets

A New Era of Oversight in Agriculture

On September 26, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that formally strengthens their partnership in overseeing agricultural markets. The agreement targets essential inputs such as fertilizer, seed, fuel, feed, and equipment—sectors where consolidation and steep price increases have placed mounting pressure on farmers. According to the DOJ’s Antitrust Division, the collaboration expands channels for consultation between attorneys, economists, and technical experts at both agencies.

Addressing Market Pressures

For many producers, rising input costs have been one of the most disruptive forces in recent years. USDA data show that since 2020, fertilizer prices have increased by nearly forty percent, while fuel and seed expenses have seen double-digit jumps. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins described the MOU as part of a broader strategy to scrutinize competitive conditions in agricultural supply chains. By formalizing this partnership, USDA and DOJ are signaling that the federal government is prepared to challenge pricing practices and corporate consolidation that may undermine fair competition.

The Significance of the Agreement

The MOU establishes a framework for structured coordination between DOJ and USDA. Both agencies will share expertise and consult regularly on competitive conditions in agricultural markets. The agreement also sets boundaries for how sensitive information is handled, ensuring that investigative integrity is maintained while enabling meaningful collaboration. In effect, the two departments are positioning themselves to balance robust oversight with the confidentiality required for enforcement.

A Promise of Fairer Markets

The ultimate aim of the agreement is to guarantee that American farmers are not disadvantaged by anticompetitive practices that inflate costs and limit choices. Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater underscored this point in the DOJ’s announcement, stating that “antitrust enforcement ensures free market competition for agricultural inputs, lowering costs for farmers and prices for consumers.” Her comments highlight the broader stakes of the partnership: healthier competition means more stability for farm operations and more affordable food prices for families across the country.

Implications for the Agricultural Community

This agreement represents more than just interagency paperwork. For growers, it raises expectations that there will be stronger scrutiny of fertilizer suppliers, seed companies, and equipment manufacturers—industries that have often been criticized for excessive market power. For agribusiness leaders, the MOU is a clear signal that compliance with competition laws is becoming an immediate priority that could reshape operations in the near future.

Looking Forward

The impact of this partnership will be measured by how quickly DOJ and USDA turn words into action. Farmers and industry groups will be monitoring for joint investigations, public reports, or enforcement measures that demonstrate tangible results. As input costs remain a top concern heading into the next planting season, the agriculture sector will be watching closely to see whether Washington delivers real relief.