On March 11, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched a public inquiry aimed at addressing farmers’ and ranchers’ growing concerns regarding seeds and agricultural inputs, fertilizer, and retail markets. The requests for information stem from the July 9, from the July 9, 2021, Executive Order on “Promoting Competition in the American Economy.”
USDA is seeking information specifically on:
- Fertilizer
- Seed and agricultural inputs, as they relate to the intellectual property system.
- Retail, including access for agricultural producers and smaller processors through wholesale and distribution markets.
The comment period has been extended. Comments may be submitted to regulations.gov and must be received no later than June 15, 2022.