Antitrust Policy

Antitrust laws prohibit collusion in restraint of trade so that competitors may not legally agree to conduct business that inhibits competition. Anticompetitive agreements could be inferred from discussions about sensitive topics. Associations like MSTA bring independent companies together to address industry issues, however, we must be sensitive to actions that may be interpreted as uncompetitive. It is permissible to discuss industry-wide issues and concerns, exchange publicly available information about the seed industry and provide educational opportunities to develop our members and the public. We can and should promote the seed business and develop a common approach to legislative and regulatory matters, but not at the expense of free enterprise. It is not permissible to discuss current or future prices for products or services offered by associate or affiliate members, or other competitively sensitive data. To affirm compliance, the MSTA will provide a written agenda for (all meetings and provide access to minutes of previous meetings. Should any member have questions about the proper scope of an MSTA meeting or the compliance of Antitrust policies, they should raise it with the meeting’s chairperson or a member of the board. It is the policy of the Montana Seed Trade Association to comply with Federal and State Antitrust laws and encourage its members to act in compliance with both the letter and spirit of the law.