The joint USDA/Department of Justice workshop on competition in the agricultural markets drew an estimated 1,300 people to Fort Collins, CO, on Friday. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder heard testimony from agricultural producers and other industry representatives about how concentration in the industry is affecting the markets. Panelists provided industry perspective on how the government’s proposed GIPSA rules regarding competition will alter the industry. A number of participants said that concentration among packers and packer owned livestock are artificially suppressing prices paid for hogs and cattle. Others blamed large retail chains for failing to pass along price increases for finished products to producers however little evidence was provided by speakers to back those claims of anti-competitive behavior beyond anecdotal accounts.
However, the hearing, which was the fourth in a series of five, got widespread attention and revealed a larger agenda on the part of the White House to revitalize rural America.
"Ultimately, today’s conversation is about much more than simply last year’s trends or this year’s challenges. It’s about livelihoods, families, this region’s economy and our centuries-old American way of life," Holder said. "We’ve made these workshops a cabinet-level priority so that we can most effectively and efficiently determine how to ensure a fairer, more competitive marketplace for producers and consumers alike."
Vilsack noted that the comments provided during the workshop would be included in the public comments record for the proposed GIPSA rule and encouraged producers to continue to submit comments online or by mail if they were unable to attend the hearing.
