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Competition Policy and Agribusiness in the Biden Administration

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  • James M. MacDonald

Abstract

The Biden Administration pursued a set of ambitious competition policy initiatives in agriculture and agribusiness, primarily aimed at livestock and poultry supply chains, farm inputs, and food retailing. The initiatives included expanded antitrust enforcement; new US Department of Agriculture (USDA) contract regulations requiring poultry processors to disclose more information to growers; and USDA financial support for expanded capacity in meat processing. I summarize the initiatives, evaluate what we know about their likely impacts, and discuss open research and policy issues.

Suggested Citation

  • James M. MacDonald, 2026. "Competition Policy and Agribusiness in the Biden Administration," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 48(3), pages 536-544, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:apecpp:v:48:y:2026:i:3:p:536-544
    DOI: 10.1002/aepp.70066
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. James M. MacDonald & Michael E. Ollinger, 2005. "Technology, Labor Wars, and Producer Dynamics: Explaining Consolidation in Beefpacking," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 87(4), pages 1020-1033.
    2. MacDonald, James M., "undated". "Technology, Organization, and Financial Performance in U.S. Broiler Production," Economic Information Bulletin 262121, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    3. Daniel Francis, 2025. "The 2023 Merger Guidelines and the Arc of Antitrust History," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 39(1), pages 3-28, Winter.
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