Late last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Justice announced the dates and locations for their long-awaited series of workshops to explore competition and regulatory issues in the agricultural industry. As expected, the first workshop will occur in Iowa in March 2010, with additional workshops scheduled in farm country and Washington, D.C., throughout the year. Updated information can be found on the DOJ Antitrust Division's website, and comments are being accepted through December 31, 2009.

In addition, the GIPSA proposed rule regarding undue or unreasonable preferences and advantages has been sent to the Office of Management and Budget for review. This rulemaking was undertaken this past fall in accordance with the 2008 Farm Bill's directive.

Faegre & Benson recognizes that these workshops are set to address issues of high concern to many of our food, agriculture and biofuels clients. Attorneys from Faegre & Benson will be in attendance at many of the workshops and we will continue to follow the development of the workshops as details are released and monitor how the outcome of the workshops may affect these core industries. Please contact Kim Walker or Rick Duncan if you have questions.