While the world is sleeping, 4 Major Corporations are taking over the grain market, buying out their competitors and signing huge mergers unprecedented in the history of global agriculture. In constant communication with each other, they work together to manipulate grain prices, taking advantage of political instabilites around the world all the while reaping bigger and bigger profits at the expense of our health and wallters.
These 4 Big Corporations own 80% of the grain trade? That’s 80% of corn, sugar, soy, wheat, and rice. With their immense power, these four major players effectively control the supply and dictate the prices of essential commodities that are the backbone of our food chain. The consequences of this monopolistic control can be seen in the surging food prices that hit consumers hard.
The biggest deal in the history of the global agricultural sector happened this year in 2024, when Viterra and Bunge, 2 of the biggest players, announced their merger. This merger further strengthened the monopoly rampant in the agricultural sector.
To make matters worse, these corporations receive tens of Billions of our taxpayer dollars per year, in the form of government subsidies. Instituted during the Great Depression, the U.S government has been granting these corporations huge subsidies. The question is what are they doing with this money?
A study released by the Institute of Agriculture revealed that these subsidies are just wetting/lining their pockets, because for every dollar they receive, it only brings down prices by 2 cents.
So what are they doing with the money? Using these subsidies to buy out their competitors and monopolize the commodities market, effectively controlling grain prices through their vast networks. They work closely together, exploiting situations like the Ukraine War to raise prices.
These 4 major corporations are Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Bunge, Cargill, and Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC), collectively known as the "ABCD" of the grain trade
They have spun a web of deceit at the expense of our health and our wallets. With the resources they have, they should have been encouraging farmers to grow non-GMO non hybridized grains and utilizing sustainable farming methods.
Instead, they exploit farmers, and even farther, drive grain prices up all the while reaping enormous profits.
As people all over the world struggle rising costs of living and even hunger, the four largest agricultural commodity traders announced their biggest profits ever. In 2022, the profits of the ABCCD tripled compared to the 2016-2020 period.
Cargill reported a 23% increase in revenues to a record 165 billionby mid 2022. And during the second quarter of the year, Archer-Daniels-Midland had its its highest profits ever.
As food prices skyrocket and hunger rises, and with the prospect of still more supply shortages, such profiteering is clearly unjust and a sign of abject market failure. The price spikes have happened despite abundant public and private grain stores.
So if you've ever wondered why the cost of bread keeps rising or why farmers struggle to make ends meet, this eye-opening article is a must-read.
By exploring the tactics and effects of this monopolistic control, we can begin to address the systemic issues that plague non-organic conventional farming methods and work towards a more sustainable food supply and Food sovereignty.
“We do not have a food crisis; we have a price crisis. The food corporations are shamelessly exploiting their monopoly power to artificially inflate prices. This greedflation must finally be put to a stop. We must break up these ruthless corporations, stop mega-mergers and tax their windfall profits.” Martin Schirdewan, Member of the European Parliament
The Importance of the Grain Market in the U.S.
The grain market is the backbone of the American food system. Grains like wheat, corn, and soybeans are the primary ingredients in a vast array of food products, from bread and cereal to animal feed and biofuels. These commodities are the foundation upon which our entire food chain rests. Their prices and availability directly impact the cost and accessibility of the food we consume daily and make up to 68% percent of the calories the average American consumes per day.
Historically, the grain market in the United States has been relatively diverse, with a multitude of producers, processors, and distributors competing to bring these essential crops to market. This competition helped ensure fair pricing, innovation, and responsiveness to the needs of both farmers and consumers. However, in recent decades, a dramatic shift has occurred, with just a handful of corporations now dominating the grain trade.
Overview of the Major Corporations Monopolizing the Grain Market
At the heart of this monopolistic control are four major corporations: Archer Daniels Midland, Bunge, Cargill, and Louis Dreyfus. Collectively known as the "ABCD" companies, these giants have amassed an unprecedented level of power and influence over the grain trade in the United States.
Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) is one of the largest agricultural processors and food ingredient providers in the world, with a presence in more than 200 countries. The company is a leading producer of corn, soybeans, wheat, and other grains, as well as a major player in the production of biofuels, sweeteners, and animal feed.
Bunge, another industry titan, is a global agribusiness and food company with a significant footprint in the United States. The company is a major trader, processor, and distributor of oilseeds, grains, and other agricultural commodities, as well as a manufacturer of food products and animal feed.
Cargill, the largest privately held corporation in the United States, is a global leader in the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural commodities. The company's reach extends far beyond grains, encompassing a diverse portfolio of food, agricultural, financial, and industrial products and services.
Louis Dreyfus, the final member of the "ABCD" quartet, is a multinational commodity trader and processor with a strong presence in the grain market. The company is a major player in the global trade of commodities such as wheat, corn, soybeans, and cotton, among others.
These four corporations have strategically positioned themselves to dominate the grain market through a complex web of joint ventures, mergers, and shared investments. This interconnectedness has allowed them to amass vast amounts of data, streamline operations, and exert unparalleled control over the supply and pricing of essential grains.
Examples of Surging Food Prices due to Grain Market Monopolization
The impact of the "ABCD" companies' monopolistic control on food prices can be clearly seen in the recent trends in the grain and food markets. Take, for example, the case of wheat, a staple ingredient in countless food products.br/>
In 2022, the price of wheat reached record highs, with the global benchmark price for the commodity surging by more than 60% compared to the previous year. This dramatic increase was largely driven by supply chain disruptions, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the monopolistic practices of the major grain traders.
The "ABCD" companies, with their vast global reach and access to market data, were able to anticipate and capitalize on these market fluctuations. By strategically managing the supply and pricing of wheat, they were able to significantly boost their profit margins, even as consumers bore the brunt of the rising costs.
Similarly, the price of corn, another crucial grain in the American food system, has also seen a substantial increase in recent years. The "ABCD" companies' control over the corn market has allowed them to pass on their rising operational costs to consumers, leading to higher prices for a wide range of food products, from animal feed to high-fructose corn syrup.
The impact of the grain market monopolization is not limited to just wheat and corn. Soybeans, a versatile crop used in everything from cooking oil to animal feed, have also experienced significant price hikes, with the "ABCD" companies playing a central role in driving up costs for both farmers and consumers.
Impact of Monopolization on Farmers and Consumers
The monopolistic control exercised by the "ABCD" companies in the grain market has had a devastating impact on both American farmers and consumers. As these corporations have tightened their grip on the supply and pricing of essential commodities, they have effectively squeezed the life out of the independent farming community, while also burdening households with ever-increasing food costs.
For the American farmer, the consequences of the "ABCD" companies' dominance have been particularly severe. These corporations, with their vast resources and global reach, have been able to dictate the terms of the market, leaving little room for the small and medium-sized producers who have historically been the backbone of the American agricultural system.
Farmers, already struggling with rising input costs, such as fertilizers and fuel, have found themselves at the mercy of the "ABCD" companies. These corporations, leveraging their market power, have been able to drive down the prices they pay for raw agricultural commodities, effectively squeezing the profit margins of the farmers who toil to grow the crops that feed the nation.
This relentless pressure on the farming community has had a cascading effect, leading to the consolidation of the industry and the displacement of countless family-owned operations. As the "ABCD" companies continue to tighten their grip, the diversity and resilience of the American agricultural system are being eroded, posing a grave threat to the long-term sustainability of our food supply.
The impact of this monopolistic control, however, is not limited to the farming community. Consumers, too, have borne the brunt of the "ABCD" companies' dominance, as the rising costs of essential food products have placed a significant burden on household budgets across the country.
Government Regulations and Policies Related to the Grain Market
Lawsuits will hopefully contribute to a shifting landscape, where the once-untouchable giants will be forced to answer for their misdeeds.
One such example is the ongoing antitrust lawsuit filed against Cargill, Archer Daniels Midland, and other grain traders, alleging that they conspired to manipulate the prices of agricultural commodities.
However, the battle is just a fanciful dream right now with very little chance of success. There is no straight path to fighting them that way.
But we can fight with our wallets and food choices.
The Role of Organic and Alternative Farming Methods in Combating Monopolization
As the "ABCD" companies continue to tighten their stranglehold on the conventional grain market, the role of organic and alternative farming methods in combating this monopolistic control has become increasingly important.
Organic agriculture, which eschews the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms, offers a viable alternative to the industrialized, monoculture-based approach that has become the hallmark of the "ABCD" companies' operations. By promoting biodiversity, soil health, and sustainable practices, organic farming has the potential to disrupt the existing power dynamics in the grain market and provide a more resilient and equitable food system.
Moreover, the growing demand for organic and locally-sourced food products has created new opportunities for small and medium-sized farmers to thrive, offering them a chance to break free from the constraints of the "ABCD" companies' dominance. By connecting directly with consumers and building alternative supply chains, these independent producers are able to capture a greater share of the value created, while also providing consumers with more affordable and nutritious food options.
Beyond organic agriculture, the rise of alternative farming methods, such as regenerative agriculture and agroecology, also hold promise in the fight against grain market monopolization. These approaches, which focus on restoring the natural balance of ecosystems and enhancing the resilience of farming communities, can help to reduce the reliance on the industrialized, input-heavy model championed by the "ABCD" companies.
By supporting the growth of these alternative farming systems, consumers can help to create a more diverse and decentralized food system, one that is less vulnerable to the whims of a handful of powerful corporations. This, in turn, can help to drive down food prices, improve the livelihoods of farmers, and ensure our Food Sovereignty.
JOSEPH'S ORGANIC BAKERY : ANCIENT GRAIN BREADS
At Joseph's Organic Bakery, we’re dedicated to bringing you the purest, most authentic FARM TO TABLE Sourdough Breads available. We are committed to Ancient Grains which have not been genetically modified or hybridized. Our philosophy is simple: we believe in baking the ancient way using traditional baking methods in the importance of prioritizing your health. We know the process of the bread from start to finish, from planting of the seeds, to harvesting, to milling to baking. Our grains are grown by small farmers in the United States. These farmers are dedicated to organic sustainable farming methods.
Our Commitment to Authenticity
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