The United States Federal Trade Commission has launched an investigation into fertilizer companies, commission chairman Andrew Ferguson told a meeting of farmers from 16 states at a meeting in North Texas.
“These continued price increases are not something our nation, much less our farmers, can continue to ignore,” Ferguson said, prompting a standing ovation.
An investigation would definitely involve Nutrien of Saskatoon, the world’s largest potash miner and fertilizer retailer
Despite years of complaints from farmers, this is the first formal FTC investigation of the fertilizer industry.
It has subpoena powers to demand production of documents and witnesses.
Nutrien is in a hot seat because the Saskatchewan and Canadian governments have allowed potash miners to operate a cartel for potash exports.
What has not been revealed is whether BHP will join the cartel when it soon opens the largest potash mine in Saskathewan.
