[20030129]RS20562_农业中的合并和反垄断问题：法规和机构.pdf

1 Minor revisions by Jean Yavis Jones, January 29, 2003.2 For a further discussion on legal issues dealing with antitrust, please see CRS Reports 95-116A:General Overview of United States Antitrust Law, and RS20241: Monopoly and Monopolization Fundamental But Separate Concepts in U.S. Antitrust Law.Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS20562Updated January 29, 2003Merger and Antitrust Issues in Agriculture: Statutes and AgenciesJerry Heykoop Policy AnalystResources, Science, and Industry DivisionSummaryA continuing trend toward consolidation within agriculture has generatedlegislative interest in the effect of concentration and consolidation on U.S. agriculture.The changing structure of the agriculture sector, particularly with respect to mergersbetween major grain companies and concentration in the livestock sector, has broughtup questions about the federal governments role in pursuing cases of unfair competitionor violations of antitrust laws. Although various regulations target business practicesin the agriculture industry, important social issues associated with concentration andconsolidation may no