Farmers welcome FTC’s investigation into the fertilizer cartel with a standing ovation

The Federal Trade Commission has launched a long-awaited and highly anticipated investigation into the fertilizer industry’s pricing practices and market concentration, Chairman Andrew Ferguson announced on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at a gathering of farmers from across 18 states on a North Texas farm.

“I’m announcing that, on my order, the commission some time ago commenced a major industry-wide investigation into the precipitous rise of fertilizer prices in this country, which has affected so many of our nation’s farmers, including everyone in this room, including the issuance of compulsory process,” Chairman Ferguson said.“USDA data has shown the single largest increase in input costs of farmers across the United States since 2020 has come from fertilizer… These continued price increases are not something our nation, much less our farmers, can continue to ignore.”

The announcement drew an immediate response from the farm leaders in attendance.

“Chairman Ferguson made clear what Ohio farmers have been saying for years — the fertilizer market is broken, and it is costing farm families real money,” Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association President Eric Tipton said.… Continue reading