Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Patty Judge talked about new farming troubles before a panel of U-S Senators in Washington D-C today. Judge addressed “economic concentration” or the consolidation of agri-businesses that puts more power to control prices under fewer large corporations. Judge says farmers in Iowa & nationwide are fighting for economic justice. Judge says economic concentration or “vertical integration” is forcing family farmers out of business while consumers are forced to pay higher prices.The hearing before the Democratic Policy Committee was carried live over the Internet. Panelists included Iowa Senator Tom Harkin. Lawmakers say they’ll work to introduce legislation that will help combat anti-competitive practices by agri-businesses which hurt small grain & livestock producers.
