Fedorchak joins colleagues in urging USDA and DOJ to identify regulations hindering ag input competition

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) joined several of her House colleagues in urging U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins and Attorney General Pam Bondi to review federal regulations that restrict competition in the agricultural input marketplace. In the letter, the Members emphasize that fair competition-paired with a smart regulatory approach-is critical to lowering costs, supporting producers, and strengthening rural communities. The lawmakers request USDA and DOJ provide a list of regulations across all federal agencies that impede competition for agricultural inputs, and note whether those barriers can be addressed by the Trump administration or will require action from Congress.

KEY LETTER EXCERPTS:

"In 2024, nominal production expenditures per farm increased by over 39 percent

compared to 2020. These rising input costs coupled with low commodity prices have fueled an economic crisis in Rural America, and it's why the efforts by your agencies to promote competition in the agricultural input marketplace are critical for our nation's farmers and ranchers, especially as family farm bankruptcies increased by 55 percent in 2024 alone.

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"Strong, consistent enforcement of existing antitrust provisions is critical to ensuring a fair and competitive marketplace that protects America's producers and ultimately helps to make food affordable for all consumers.

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"Producers and manufacturers have long-held concerns about costly permitting and compliance obligations that federal regulations have imposed on their businesses. Overregulation not only restricts employment, limits production, and slows down the construction of new input production capacity, but it can often keep new innovations and entrants out of the marketplace, since these businesses have fewer resources to comply with a burdensome regulatory structure.

"As you partner to ensure a competitive supply chain for our farmers and ranchers, we request that you respond to this letter, by February 13, 2026, with a list of regulations across all agencies that impede competition in the marketplace for agricultural inputs."

CLICK HEREto read the full letter.

"Rising costs for fertilizer, seed, and equipment have placed enormous strain on farmers across the Cotton Belt," said Gary Adams, President and CEO of the National Cotton Council."To help these producers, we must address unnecessary regulatory burdens and ensure that agricultural input markets remain fair and competitive. The National Cotton Council appreciates the leadership of Representative Arrington and other Members of Congress for bringing attention to these challenges."

"Corn growers nationwide just finished a third consecutive year of net negative returns," said Jed Bower, Ohio farmer and President of the National Corn Growers Association. "Input prices remain at near-record highs as corn prices per bushel have sharply dropped. That's why NCGA appreciates the efforts by Rep. Arrington and other members Congress to address the root causes of high input costs while supporting competition."

"Farmers continue to face rising input costs and limited competition," said Barry Evans, Board Member of the National Sorghum Producers. "Enforcing existing antitrust laws and reviewing regulatory barriers are important steps toward promoting fairness and choice in the agricultural marketplace."

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