Insights

Farmers across the country are feeling the squeeze as seed and fertilizer costs continue to climb. In last week’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing—aptly titled “Pressure Cooker: Competition Issues in the Seed and Fertilizer Industries”—lawmakers from both parties called for greater transparency and fair competition in agricultural input markets.

From independent seed companies to major industry leaders, witnesses described how market consolidation, tariffs, and regulatory hurdles are driving up costs and limiting farmer choice. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) led bipartisan discussions on how to lower prices, strengthen enforcement, and restore innovation to America’s agricultural sector.

With the USDA and DOJ now investigating pricing practices and new legislation like the Fertilizer Research Act on the horizon, the message is clear: the future of farming depends on competition that works for producers, not just corporations.

At RKO Consulting Group, we see hearings like this as a reminder that systemic change starts with collaboration—between science, policy, and the people on the ground making our food system work.

The ongoing government shutdown is now the longest in U.S. history—halting critical agricultural services, research funding, and scientific progress nationwide. This article breaks down how the shutdown affects farmers, researchers, and federal agencies, what’s at stake for the Farm Bill and FY2026 funding, and what to expect in the weeks ahead.

Sustainable agriculture projects thrive on big ideas — but bringing those ideas to life requires coordination, accountability, and follow-through. That’s where project managers come in. From tracking grant deliverables to aligning multi-partner teams, effective project management bridges the gap between strategy and implementation. Learn how this often-overlooked role helps visionary leaders stay focused on impact, not inboxes — and why the demand for project management in sustainability is growing faster than ever.

Effective engagement happens when authenticity outweighs advocacy. When scientists align their message with mutual interests, they create opportunities for collaboration rather than confrontation.