FTC Opens Fertilizer Pricing Investigation After Farmer Complaints

McKINNEY, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — The Federal Trade Commission has opened a broad investigation into fertilizer pricing and market concentration, following years of producer complaints about rising input costs.

FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson announced the investigation during a farmer gathering in McKinney, Texas. He said fertilizer has been one of the largest sources of rising farm input costs since 2020.

Farm groups, including the Texas Corn Producers Association, blamed concentrated market power for higher prices and urged the agency to follow the evidence. TCPA Chairman Aaron Martinka said farmers are seeking a fairer, more competitive marketplace.

The announcement comes as fertilizer prices remain sharply higher than pre-2020 levels, while farm income has fallen from its 2022 peak. Producers also pointed to rising Chapter 12 bankruptcy filings in several farm states.

The investigation does not prove wrongdoing, but it raises federal scrutiny of a major cost center for crop producers.

Related Stories

Champions of Rural America

Champions of Rural America: U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer of Alabama on Reducing Regulatory Burdens for Farmers

Congressman Gary Palmer of Alabama joined us to discuss federal overreach, transparency efforts, and legislative solutions impacting agriculture on this week’s Champions of Rural America.

April 23, 2026 04:01 PM

 · 

Marion Kirkpatrick

Washington Policy

Rollins Signals Fertilizer Action As Farm Policy Priorities Take Center Stage in Budget Hearings

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins hints at new fertilizer plan while trade deals, soybean markets, and farm bill momentum drive ag policy discussion.

April 23, 2026 12:36 PM

 · 

Marion Kirkpatrick

USDA

USDA Advances Reorganization and Restructuring of the Research, Education, and Economics Mission Area

U.S. Department of Agriculture Restructuring Aims to Improve Government Efficiency and Better Serve American Farmers

April 23, 2026 12:22 PM

Washington Policy

E15 Expansion, Farm Bill Top Priorities for Ohio Farmers Meeting with Lawmakers

U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman and U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin meet with Ohio farmers to discuss E15 expansion, rising input costs, trade concerns, and the need to move forward on a new farm bill.

April 23, 2026 12:13 PM

 · 

Neal Burnette-Irwin

Sustainability

College Lumberjack Teams in Colorado Remove Beetle-Damaged Trees to Reduce Wildfire Risk

Effort aims to reduce wildfire risk and restore forests

April 23, 2026 10:52 AM

 · 

Neal Burnette-Irwin

Rural Money

Rising Fuel Costs Shift Consumer Spending Patterns Nationwide

Fuel costs are shaping food and demand patterns.

April 23, 2026 10:00 AM

 · 

Tony St. James

Load More