Commodity Futures Trading Commission
The mission of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission is to promote the integrity, resilience, and vibrancy of the U.S. derivatives markets through sound regulation.
The Office of Customer Education and Outreach develops and administers the CFTC’s customer and public education initiatives. The office is responsible for helping the public spot, avoid, and report fraud that involves commodities or derivatives trading.
Market integrity and customer education work hand in hand for American agriculture. Since the late 1800s, farmers, ranchers, merchants, elevators, processors, and other businesses in the agriculture supply chain have used futures, options, and other derivatives to manage risks associated with falling and rising prices.
Futures markets also facilitate price discovery. By fostering fair, well-functioning markets, the CFTC plays a critical role in ensuring prices reflect actual supply and demand forces in the U.S. agricultural economy. Even producers who do not directly participate in the futures markets can be impacted by commodity futures prices through forward contracts and the crop insurance program.