Alleged 'Potato Cartel' Accused Of Price-Fixing

07:13

January 07, 2014

According to a group of grocers, the potato on your plate got there through a conspiracy involving price-fixing, coercion and aerial surveillance. But potato growers counter there's no cartel, just a co-op. (Chiot's Run/Flickr)

No fewer than seven lawsuits have been filed against the nation's potato farmers organization. Disgruntled shoppers and grocers are accusing the United Potato Growers of America of running a cartel involving price-fixing, coercion and aerial surveillance.

The growers say they're merely running a cooperative that helps potato farmers make a living and feed Americans.

Jessica Robinson of the Northwest News Network joins Here & Now's Meghna Chakrabarti to explain.

Guest

Jessica Robinson, inland Northwest correspondent for the Northwest News Network, part of the Here & Now Contributors Network. She tweets @jessixarobinson.

This segment aired on January 7, 2014.