By Andi Anderson
New data shows that Iowa’s agriculture industry is becoming increasingly consolidated, with nearly all of the state’s corn seed controlled by just four companies.
Farm Action’s report highlights that Corteva and Bayer dominate almost 90% of the corn seed market, with AgReliant and Syngenta controlling the rest. This level of market concentration has raised concerns among advocates for a fair and sustainable food system.
Economists warn that such large concentrations can lead to market manipulation and abuse. Angela Huffman, President of Farm Action, explains that this type of control extends throughout the entire food supply chain.
“This is the scenario in almost every sector,” Huffman said. “Seeds, fertilizer, farm equipment, and even beef, pork, and poultry processing—all are dominated by a few corporations.”
Huffman highlighted that these four corporations control between 60% to 85% of markets across these sectors, leading to a lack of competition that can negatively impact prices and consumer choice.
The report stresses that this consolidation could pose a threat to the food system's integrity and the economic health of rural communities.
Additionally, the consolidation trend is mirrored in livestock operations, where large confinements often cause environmental issues like manure runoff, which harms air, soil, and water quality in rural Iowa.
The growing concentration of control among a few companies not only impacts market fairness but also raises significant environmental concerns.
The report by Farm Action serves as a call to action, emphasizing the need for regulatory oversight to prevent further consolidation and protect both the agriculture sector and consumers.
Advocates argue for policies that promote fair competition, sustainable practices, and the health of rural communities, warning that without intervention, the concentration of power in the agriculture industry will continue to grow unchecked.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-alexeyrumyantsev
Categories: Iowa, Business