Justice Department and USDA hold first meeting about competition in food sector

Let the food fight begin: More than 700 farmers, agribusiness executives and government officials gathered at the Des Moines Area Community College on Friday morning to discuss the issues that have emerged in the food sector because of consolidation of the industry.

The Justice Department has received 15,000 comments and questions from the public over this issue. And, based on the mood here in Ankeny, Iowa, it’s clear there’s going to be more debate than polite discussion. P.J. Huffstutter is there to keep track of the developments -- and what it will mean for your wallet.

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Rising food prices may start with seeds: Farmers say consolidation in the industry means they're forced to buy more costly seeds. But Monsanto, the world's largest seed firm, insists that competition 'is alive and flourishing.'

Photo: About 90% of U.S. soybean acres are grown with seeds that use Monsanto technology. Credit: Dan Gill / Associated Press