Food and Agribusiness Merger Moratorium and Antitrust Review Act of 2022

Food and Agribusiness Merger Moratorium and Antitrust Review Act of 2022

This bill places a moratorium on certain acquisitions between large agricultural and retail-related businesses and establishes the Food and Agriculture Concentration and Market Power Review Commission. The commission shall report to Congress and the President on (1) the nature and consequences of market concentration in the U.S. food and agricultural economy, and (2) recommended legal and regulatory changes to address such market concentration.

Bill 117 HR 7827, also known as the Food and Agribusiness Merger Moratorium and Antitrust Review Act of 2022, aims to address concerns about consolidation and monopolistic practices within the food and agriculture industry. The bill proposes a temporary moratorium on mergers and acquisitions in the food and agribusiness sector, lasting for a period of 18 months.

During this moratorium, the bill calls for a comprehensive review of past mergers and acquisitions within the industry to assess their impact on competition, consumer choice, and market prices. The goal of this review is to identify any anti-competitive behavior and take appropriate action to promote a more competitive marketplace.

Additionally, the bill seeks to strengthen antitrust enforcement in the food and agriculture industry by providing additional resources to the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission. This includes funding for increased staff, training, and technology to better investigate and prosecute antitrust violations. Overall, the Food and Agribusiness Merger Moratorium and Antitrust Review Act of 2022 aims to promote fair competition, protect consumers, and ensure a level playing field within the food and agriculture industry. It represents a significant effort to address concerns about consolidation and monopolistic practices that have been prevalent in the industry in recent years.