Newly confirmed Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack turned to a leading liberal think tank for his senior adviser on fair and competitive markets, signaling high-level commitment to antitrust issues after consolidation in agribusiness emerged as a key theme in Democratic presidential nominating contests, reported Bloomberg.
Vilsack appointed Andy Green, previously a fellow at the Center for American Progress, for the job, the Agriculture Department stated on Monday, March 1.
Green also has been active in the role of markets in addressing climate change, another USDA priority. He co-authored a memo for the think tank in June urging regulators to require financial institutions to disclose carbon emissions they have financed.
Prior to joining the think tank, Green had been counsel to Kara Stein, a former commissioner of the US Securities and Exchange Commission, and an aide to Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon. He also was on the Biden administration’s Treasury Department transition team.
Democratic presidential candidates criticized “Big Ag” in early nominating contests, particularly the market power of major meatpacking companies and agricultural suppliers such as seed companies. Biden promised in his campaign platform to strengthen antitrust enforcement in agriculture and to take stronger steps through USDA regulatory agencies to assure fair markets.
“We must create a more level playing field for small and medium producers and a more balanced, equitable economy for everyone working in food and agriculture, including immigrants and seasonal farmworkers,” Vilsack said in a statement announcing Green’s appointment.
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
Featured News
T-Mobile’s Acquisition of Ka’ena Corporation Receives FCC Approval
Apr 26, 2024 by
CPI
UK Regulator Announces Two New Senior Executive Appointments
Apr 26, 2024 by
CPI
Paramount Global and Skydance Media Near Merger Deal, Eyeing CEO Change
Apr 26, 2024 by
CPI
BHP Unveils £31bn Mining Megamerger Proposal with Anglo American
Apr 25, 2024 by
nhoch@pymnts.com
ByteDance Prefers Shutdown Over Sale of TikTok Amid US Ban Threats
Apr 25, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – Economics of Criminal Antitrust
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Navigating Economic Expert Work in Criminal Antitrust Litigation
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
The Increased Importance of Economics in Cartel Cases
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
A Law and Economics Analysis of the Antitrust Treatment of Physician Collective Price Agreements
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Information Exchange In Criminal Antitrust Cases: How Economic Testimony Can Tip The Scales
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI