Farmers welcome FTC’s investigation into fertilizer industry pricing practices

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (May 28, 2026) — The Federal Trade Commission has launched a long-awaited investigation into the fertilizer industry’s pricing practices and market concentration, Chairman Andrew Ferguson announced today during a gathering of farmers representing 18 states at 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 strong support from agricultural leaders and farmers attending the event.

“Illinois farmers have been dealing with skyrocketing fertilizer costs for years while farm income continues to tighten,” said IL Corn Growers Association President Mark Bunselmeyer. “Farmers are asking for transparency and accountability in a market that feels increasingly stacked against family farms. We appreciate the FTC taking a serious look at fertilizer pricing practices and market concentration because these costs impact not only farmers, but every consumer buying food at the grocery store.”

The “Fed Up: Fertilizer Cartel Profits off Farmers’ Backs and Your Grocery Bill” event focused on the rising input costs associated with major fertilizer manufacturers including Mosaic, Nutrien, CF Industries and Koch. Those costs have placed significant pressure on family farms as fertilizer prices climbed more than 150% since 2020 while net farm income fell 31% from its 2022 peak.

Following Chairman Ferguson’s remarks, farmers from across the country participated in a panel discussion sharing firsthand experiences about the impact rising fertilizer costs and concentrated market power are having on their operations. Farmers urged the FTC to take aggressive action to ensure fair competition within the fertilizer marketplace.

The FTC also reiterated its commitment to maintaining confidentiality throughout the investigative process and encouraged individuals with relevant information to come forward.

Background:

According to Chapter 12 bankruptcy filings in 2025:
• Arkansas recorded 33 filings (+100%) — the highest total in the state this century
• Georgia recorded 27 filings (+145%)
• Iowa recorded 18 filings (+220%)
• The Midwest region led the nation with 121 total filings
• The Southeast region followed with 105 filings

Nationwide, 839 farms filed for bankruptcy over the last four years, while the U.S. lost 35,000 farms during the same period.

Sources: American Farm Bureau Federation Chapter 12 data; USDA NASS Farms & Land in Farms; USDA ERS Farm Labor

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