Answer: a. subject to analysis under the rule of reason.
Explanation:
The Rule of Reason is used to interpret whether he Sherman Act which is an anti-trust law has been breached. This Rule was established so as not to unfairly close down all monopolies and Monopolies are not illegal, price fixing is.
If companies therefore come together as Fertile Acres Inc., Growers Farm Co-op, and Harvest Orchards have done, the Government under the Rule of Reason will check to see if the actions of these firms was done in order for them to go against free trade practices. If it was not then the agreement might be allowed to stand.
