Fertilizer Producers Sued by US Farmers Over Price-Fixing

Family farm in New York files proposed class action lawsuit against major fertilizer companies.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The owners of a family farm in New York have filed a proposed class action lawsuit against a group of six leading fertilizer companies, alleging they conspired to raise prices for US farmers. The lawsuit comes amid reports of a Department of Justice probe into possible collusion in the fertilizer industry.

Why it matters

Fertilizer prices have a major impact on the profitability and viability of family farms across the United States. If the allegations of price-fixing are proven true, it could have significant financial consequences for farmers already struggling with rising input costs and economic uncertainty.

The details

The lawsuit names Nutrien AG Solutions, Mosaic Co., CF Industries Holdings Inc., Koch Agronomic Services LLC, Norway's Yara International ASA, and Canpotex Ltd. as defendants, accusing them of colluding to artificially inflate fertilizer prices. The case was filed by the owners of Fire Creek Farms in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

  • The lawsuit was filed on March 7, 2026.
  • The alleged price-fixing activities are said to have occurred prior to the lawsuit being filed.

The players

Fire Creek Farms

A family-owned farm located in New York that filed the proposed class action lawsuit against the fertilizer companies.

Nutrien AG Solutions

One of the leading fertilizer companies named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

Mosaic Co.

One of the leading fertilizer companies named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

CF Industries Holdings Inc.

One of the leading fertilizer companies named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

Koch Agronomic Services LLC

One of the leading fertilizer companies named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

Yara International ASA

One of the leading fertilizer companies named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

Canpotex Ltd.

One of the leading fertilizer companies named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The lawsuit is in the early stages, and the court will need to determine whether it will be certified as a class action. The Department of Justice's ongoing investigation into possible collusion in the fertilizer industry may also lead to further legal action.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the challenges facing family farms in the face of rising input costs and potential anti-competitive practices by major corporations. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the agricultural industry and the ability of small farmers to remain profitable.