The Justice Department announced Bayer CropScience has agreed to remove potentially anticompetitive provisions from its seed loyalty program amid an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into the corn and soybean seed markets. The DOJ said Bayer modified its Premier Performance Program after concerns were raised that the company’s policies could discourage competition among seed providers and limit choices for farmers and independent seed companies. One key change removes a provision that required seed companies to meet combined corn and soybean sales targets to qualify for discounts. Federal officials said that the structure raised concerns about anticompetitive tying between corn and soybean seed products. Bayer eliminated the requirement for the 2025 planting season and agreed not to reinstate it for seven years. The company also removed incentives that officials said may have discouraged seed companies from licensing competing technologies. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins praised the move, saying it strengthens competition throughout agricultural supply chains and improves fairness for farmers.
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