A coalition of 82 farm, ranch consumer and faith-based groups sent a letter to the Justice Department today urging it to extend its review of Tyson Foods’ proposal to take over Hillshire Brands.

“Fewer buyers of hogs and sows result in a less competitive market for family farmers,” said National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson in a news release.

“The rapid consolidation of market power in the hands of just a few pork processors resulted in the loss of more than 90 percent of all hog farms since 1980,” Johnson said. “Tyson’s takeover of Hillshire certainly warrants further investigation by the Department of Justice and should be stopped. It’s time for the Justice Department to enforce our anti-trust laws.”

“Consumers have witnessed an onslaught of food company mergers over the past few years that reduced consumer choices and contributed to higher grocery store prices,” said Food & Water Watch executive director Wenonah Hauter.

“The Justice Department should not rubber-stamp a $9 billion hostile takeover by America’s biggest meat company that is not in the best interests of consumers or farmers.”

▪ Coalition letter to Department of Justice on Tyson-Hillshire merger proposal