U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Addresses Price Fixing in Agriculture Sector

(Washington, D.C., December 19, 2025) – In a recent opinion piece published by Fox News, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins outlined the proactive measures the Trump Administration is implementing to combat price fixing and safeguard American consumers.

Addressing Competitive Conditions

Secretary Rollins emphasized the urgent need for government intervention in competitive conditions within the agricultural sector. “It’s time for a thorough examination of antitrust enforcement to foster genuine competition in the marketplace,” she asserted.

A Strategic Executive Order

“President Trump is committed to offering both immediate and long-term solutions to ease the pressures on our producers and to fortify our farm economy for future generations,” Rollins explained. She referred to the executive order signed by President Trump on December 6, targeting price-fixing and anti-competitive behavior within the food supply chain, stating it is more than just regulatory action; it’s a decisive stance on a critical issue.

The Reality for Farmers

Rollins shared insights from farmers nationwide, who expressed that the previous administration’s policies under President Joe Biden severely impacted their operations. “The cost of doing business soared while commodity prices slumped. Since 2020, seed costs increased by 18%, fuel by 32%, and labor expenses rose by 47%,” she highlighted.

Reforming the System

The Secretary underscored the pressing need to restore fairness to a struggling agricultural system. She outlined the Trump Administration’s efforts to diminish input costs and enhance the overall farming experience through targeted aid and regulatory reforms.

Combating Anti-Competitive Practices

Secretary Rollins noted that anti-competitive practices have long threatened the affordability of America’s food supply. Recent legal settlements involving major food companies accused of price fixing underscore the necessity for rigorous enforcement measures.

A Collaborative Effort

Earlier this fall, the USDA, in cooperation with the Department of Justice, signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at protecting farmers and ranchers from rising input costs while ensuring competitive supply chains.

Establishing Task Forces

The new executive order will see the formation of Food Supply Chain Security Task Forces, led by the Federal Trade Commission chairman and Attorney General Pam Bondi. This initiative aims to scrutinize industries related to food supply chains, specifically investigating the impact of foreign-controlled companies on the cost of living for Americans.

A Strong Stance Against Price Fixing

“Price-fixing, collusion, and anti-competitive schemes have no place in U.S. agriculture,” Rollins proclaimed. She emphasized that farmers already face numerous challenges, and spiraling input costs should not be one of them.

A Vision for the Future

Rollins concluded with an optimistic outlook: “We are on the brink of ushering in a Golden Age of American agriculture, characterized by fairness, competition, and prosperity. Unlike previous administrations, President Trump pledges to protect our producers from being exploited.”

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