March 9, 2010

US to launch food supply antitrust probe

American government officials will meet with antitrust attorneys to examine the increasing control a handful of corporations have over the US food supply.

The meeting will be followed by four other gatherings held later in the year. This is the most attention paid in years to producers' long-standing complaints that big corporations are forcing out smaller players.

US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said no action would be taken if competition was deemed fair and that the government wants to ensure the playing field is level.
 

The series of meetings will run through December, looking at the seed, dairy, poultry, and beef and crop industries. At issue will be the practices of industrial agriculture's biggest players, such as grain processors Archer Daniels Midland Co. and Cargill Inc., meat companies Tyson Foods Inc. and JBS SA and biotech seed firms Monsanto Co. and DuPont.