@article {36799,
	title = {Big Ag\&rsquo;s Deep Roots: An Historical Look At Corporate Concentration In The Agricultural Inputs Sector},
	journal = {Antitrust Chronicle},
	volume = {2},
	number = {July},
	year = {2025},
	pages = {1-8},
	abstract = {The dominance of just a handful of top firms in the agricultural inputs sectorhas a long history that precedes the recent blockbuster mergers in the sector bywell over a century. This article traces the longstanding pattern of concentrationacross the farm machinery, fertilizer, seeds and pesticides industries with afocus on two key periods in which consolidation was rampant: 1) the late 19thand early 20th centuries; and 2) the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Theanalysis shows that both of these earlier periods of consolidation, similar to thecurrent era, were encouraged by a complex mix of market, technology, and policyfactors, which resulted in widespread concern about the consequences. Thislong view shows that concentration in the agricultural inputs sector, its broaddrivers, and public concern about it, are persistent patterns that emerge fromspecific dynamics in these industries. These findings suggest an ongoing needfor robust antitrust regulation and enforcement in this sector.},
	author = {Jennifer Clapp}
}
