This issue brief analyzes USDA’s response to Executive Order 14036, entitled “Promoting Competition in the American Economy,” and the extent to which it follows the president’s directive.
Fair competition is necessary for the market to function effectively. Currently, the US agricultural market is highly consolidated. President Biden’s Executive Order 14036 charged USDA, among other agencies, to take action to reduce consolidation. In response to the Executive Order, USDA has acted in several sectors. These responses can broadly be divided into actions that provide funds to increase competition, strengthen enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, and provide data or technical assistance to farmers. Many of these actions are in the beginning stages and will fully take effect later in 2022. If these actions are enacted as proposed, they will be effective first steps toward reducing consolidation in agriculture. Although these actions are a good start, farmers and advocates argue that work remains to be done in the future. USDA should heed these warnings and continue to work collaboratively with stakeholders to identify solutions.
Suggested Citation
Hannah Andrew, Vt. L. & Grad. Sch. Ctr. for Agric. and Food Sys., Addressing Consolidation in Agriculture: USDA’s Response to President Biden’s Directive to Promote Competition in the American Economy (2022), https://www.vermontlaw.edu/sites/default/files/2022-07/Addressing-Consolidation-in-Agriculture.pdf.
