IPSA Attends the Ag Concentration Workshop
IPSA's CEO Greg Ruehle, along with IPSA members from several surrounding states, attended the Ag Concentration workshop in Ankeny, IA last Friday, March 12. The presentation and overflow rooms were filled with folks ranging from farmers and seedsmen, to government officials, union members and the media. The event was jointly hosted by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the US Department of Justice (DOJ), and included remarks by Secretary of Ag Tom Vilsack and Attorney General Eric Holder.
The first panel included a number of federal and state elected officials, who each responded to questions offered by Secretary Vilsack. Panel members offered their insight into ongoing and future policy needs to help protect rural America. The second panel included farmers and livestock producers from Iowa and other neighboring states, who raised concerns and offered insight regarding market access and transparency, monopolistic behaviors, and opportunities for young farmers to return to the family business.
Following lunch, a seed industry panel was convened to discuss changing in the seed industry. Panel members included several university officials, farmers and a representative of Monsanto. Topics addressed included how technology has benefitted farmers and consumers, with recognition that too much market power can have a negative effect by reducing competition and increasing costs. It was widely agreed that no actions should be taken that would diminish new technological advancements, but that an analysis between the control of seed inputs and the marketing of seed products could well be in order. The day was completed by panels on buyer power and the effectiveness of enforcement efforts on ag concentration and integration. There were also opportunities for persons in attendance to speak from the floor.
IPSA's involvement was to monitor the workshop and to continue to serve as a resource to government officials with an interest in the seed industry. This is the first in a series of workshops on agricultural concentration that will be held across the country throughout 2010. IPSA will remain engaged in this process on behalf of its members, and will provide regular updates throughout the year. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact the office - we are happy to be of assistance.