The Trump administration has issued an executive order aimed at strengthening antitrust enforcement across the U.S. food and agriculture supply chain, tying competition policy to cost-of-living pressure and national security. The order argues that “an affordable and secure food supply is vital to America’s national and economic security,” and warns that anti-competitive behavior—especially when carried out by foreign-controlled corporations—can threaten stability and affordability. It cites recent civil settlements tied to alleged price fixing and points to vulnerabilities across meat processing, seed, fertilizer, and agricultural equipment.
Under the order, the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission will each establish a Food Supply Chain Security Task Force to investigate food-related industries within their existing authorities, including whether foreign control is raising food costs or creating security risks. The directive calls for remedies where misconduct is found, including enforcement actions and proposed regulatory approaches, and instructs the Attorney General to commence criminal proceedings where evidence of criminal collusion emerges, including grand jury investigations. The task forces must jointly brief congressional leaders within 180 days and again within one year, while excluding details tied to ongoing investigations and nonpublic industry information. The order also states implementation must follow existing law and remain subject to available appropriations.
