Why It Matters
The National Grocers Association has registered Venable LLP as its lobbying firm in a new client registration filed June 2026. The organization is now formally engaging on agriculture, labor and antitrust issues, and environmental matters. This represents a strategic shift toward direct advocacy on Capitol Hill during a period of significant legislative activity in these areas.
The organization's lobbying agenda aligns with recent legislative pushes targeting corporate pricing practices and small retailer protections. The lobbying registration disclosure does not specify particular pieces of legislation the organization is targeting.
Broader Context
Congressional activity on small business competition has accelerated significantly. Multiple senators have championed legislation and enforcement actions targeting corporate pricing practices that disadvantage smaller retailers.
In January 2026, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and the Senate Judiciary Committee issued a press release urging the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission to renew Robinson-Patman Act enforcement. The enforcement push was intended to protect small and medium-sized businesses, particularly in the grocery and agriculture industries.
In March 2026, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) introduced the Fair Prices for Local Businesses Act, which targets corporate price discrimination against small grocers and retailers and strengthens the Robinson-Patman Act. On April 6, 2026, Murphy tweeted from a small grocery store calling out Amazon and Walmart for pricing policies designed to run small retailers out of business, ending his message with "Long live Robinson-Patman!"
The National Grocers Association has already engaged directly with key senators on competition issues. Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) received the National Grocers Association's Spirit of America Award on May 19, 2026. The National Grocers Association has also endorsed the Fair Competition for Small Business Act, introduced by Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), and the House companion bill.
Multiple pieces of legislation addressing small business competition have garnered bipartisan support, suggesting the issues resonate across party lines in Congress.
The Bottom Line
The National Grocers Association's formal entry into federal lobbying reflects the grocery industry's strategic focus on competition and pricing policies. The organization's team arrives as Congress actively considers multiple bills addressing small retailer protections and Robinson-Patman Act enforcement. The organization has already demonstrated engagement with key senators through recent events and has endorsed legislation directly aligned with its competitive concerns.
Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article