The Organization for Competitive Markets praised recent statements by Presidential Candidate John Edwards for recent strong statements endorsing strong antitrust standards in agriculture.  OCM does not endorse candidates or engage in political activity, but has a substantial interest in encouraging the elevation of agricultural antitrust as a major issue in campaigns.  OCM hopes to see all presidential candidates, regardless of party, state their positions on antitrust in agriculture and in the general economy.

Edwards stated yesterday, in Sioux City, Iowa, that he will “have the strongest antitrust enforcement division since that of Teddy Roosevelt,” if elected.  Edwards also endorsed a national ban on packer ownership of livestock.

“More presidential candidates should state their views on competition in agriculture.  Rural America can prosper with open and competitive markets.  Agricultural producers are productive, innovative and competitive,” said Keith Mudd, OCM President.  “The falling numbers of farmers are due, in large part, to the growth of food processor monopolies in the U.S.  Thousands of cattle feeders and hog producers have been driven out of agriculture because they have few market choices and little access to markets.”

Meat packers have worked hard to gain control of markets, and reduce the influence of supply and demand, through increased control of livestock supplies by way of packer ownership and rigid contract relationships.  Cattle feeders and hog producers are solicited every day with offers to enter exclusive supply deals with packers, to eliminate open market competition.