INFLUENCING GOVERNMENT:FOOD LOBBIES AND LOBBYISTS

Allison Wolf

Lobbying “any legal attempt by individuals or groups to

influence government policy of action…explicitly [excluding] bribery.”

Involving three elements: Promoting the views of special interest groups Attempting to influence government laws, rules,

or policies that might affect those groups Communicating with government officials or their

representatives about laws, rules, or policies of interest

Historical Context

1787 – James Madison spoke often of the “dangerous vice” of factions (lobbyists)

1995 – definition of lobbyists 1998 - $1.42 billion spent

towards clients Increase in lobbying overall

Influencing the Agricultural Establishment Congress and the USDA

“agricultural establishment” Constituent Push for Influence

The Revolving Door USDA Secretary FDA Senior Researcher Michael Taylor’s life story

Representing Food Industry Interests

Representing Food Industry Interests Funding Elected Officials

Hard money – legally sanctioned funds Soft money – unrestricted, undisclosed,

indirect funds Giving Presents – limiting and loopholes

Buying Access and InfluenceFighting the Banana Wars

Chiquita Brands International

Carl H. Lindner European Union

Limits WTO Help

Buying Access and Influence:Getting Sweet Attention

Artificially High Prices

Undesirable Policy Working

Conditions Unusual Access to

Highest Government