The second Trump administration has paid more attention to antitrust concerns in the agriculture industry, but the episode shows that, in at least some respects, they are trying to ‘reinvent the wheel,’ experts said.
The agreement relates to Bayer’s use of loyalty programs to sell its seeds. Federal authorities have said loyalty programs in the seed industry have raised prices for farmers.
With President Trump’s end of a program that once safeguarded whistleblowers and a focus on deportation, advocates warn the nation’s food supply chain is at risk.
After raising tariffs as high as 145% earlier this year, the U.S. and China have paused further escalation until November. Still, American farm exports dropped from June 2024 to June 2025.
Jess D’Souza had hoped to finally turn a profit this year, aided by a federal program to bolster local food systems. The Trump administration canceled the program, upending her plans.
Trump’s rapid dismantling of federal agencies is disrupting key government oversight functions. Critics say cuts at the EPA will stall investigations into industrial ag pollution in marginalized communities.
