May 14, 2025
FTC Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya to Join Iowa Farmers to Spotlight Industry Consolidation and Pressing Rural Issues
Nevada, IA – Federal Trade Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya will join the Iowa Farmers Union (IFU) on June 7 at 9:30 a.m. for a public event at Griffieon Family Farm, 11655 NE 6th St, Ankeny, IA. The gathering aims to bring national attention to the urgent challenges Iowa farmers face, including corporate consolidation in agriculture, rising input costs, and a lack of federal enforcement under the current administration.
Commissioner Bedoya’s first official meeting as FTC Commissioner in April 2024 was with the Iowa Farmers Union, where he heard concerns about Koch Industries’ acquisition of Iowa Fertilizer Company. His return to Iowa reflects a continued commitment to elevating the voices of independent farmers — regardless of political or bureaucratic obstacles.
“I don’t care whether I’m getting paid by the government or not — I’m going to do my job,” said Commissioner Bedoya, underscoring his intent to keep farmer concerns at the forefront, even amid federal gridlock. President Trump is attempting to remove Commissioner Bedoya and his colleague, Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter.
Aaron Lehman, President of the Iowa Farmers Union, will open the event with a broad overview of the challenges plaguing farmers across the state, including:
- Tariffs and unpredictable trade policy
- Corporate consolidation in fertilizer, seed, and equipment markets
- Meatpacking industry monopolization
- Grocery market concentration
- Lack of FTC progress on key enforcement areas under the Trump administration
“Farmers are being squeezed from every angle — from fertilizer monopolies to equipment lockouts to unfair grocery pricing,” said Aaron Lehman, President of the Iowa Farmers Union. “We’re grateful Commissioner Bedoya is returning to Iowa to help shine a national spotlight on these issues. Our farmers don’t want favors — they want fair markets.”
The majority of the event will be an open mic for impacted farmers to share their stories and highlight how anticompetitive practices affect Iowa producers.
WHO:
- FTC Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya
- Iowa Farmers Union
- Local Farmers and Advocates
WHAT:
Public event and media opportunity to highlight critical farmer issues and federal inaction
WHEN:
June 7, 9:30 a.m.
WHERE:
Griffieon Family Farm
11655 NE 6th St, Ankeny, IA
WHY:
To bring national attention to the systemic challenges Iowa farmers face — and urge federal response
Register HERE.
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