influencing government: food lobbies and lobbyists
DESCRIPTION
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 - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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