USDA Deputy Secretary addresses fertilizer price concerns in Iowa hearing

On September 11, USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen A. Vaden held a hearing in Ogden, Iowa, to address concerns of Midwest farmers about rising fertilizer prices. The event, hosted by the Iowa Corn Growers Association, drew more than 170 farmers from 13 states who cited unfair pricing by Mosaic, Nutrien, CF Industries, and Koch, claiming that the industry has generated over $20 billion in profits in the last five years while farmers face double or triple price increases.

Vaden urged producers to maintain pressure on the ongoing FTC antitrust investigation, emphasizing USDA’s commitment to ensuring justice for farmers. He highlighted that fertilizer has become the largest input cost increase for farmers since 2020, and that the investigation will issue subpoenas to examine potential collusion among major suppliers.

Iowa Corn Growers Association President Steve Kuiper praised Vaden’s engagement and promised that farmers will continue to gather evidence and push investigations forward. He urged producers to submit evidence through savefamilyfarms.us, ensuring confidentiality as promised by USDA, DOJ, and FTC.

Read the full story at michiganfarmnews.com.