Why Should You Care About Ag Policy?

First, what is ag policy?

Agricultural policy refers to the laws ruling domestic and foreign agriculture. This broad definition demonstrates the wide range of topics and issues encompassed in ag policy. While many people associate agriculture with farming, agricultural policy is involved in all aspects of the market. The video below demonstrates how agriculture can be found all around us:

Who are the key players?

     -  Consumers
     - Producers, manufacturers, distributors
     - Organizations, associations
     - Legislators, policy makers
     - Government agencies
     - Media

From the raising of products on farms and ranches,

To the packaging and labeling of products,

To the way products are sold and traded,

And all of the sales and practices in between,

Legislators guide the agriculture industry by creating policy.

Why should you care about ag policy?

Agricultural policy impacts all citizens. In fact, agriculture is one of the only policy areas that interacts with people in their daily lives. Policy sets guidelines for ag industries. According to statistics published by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), agriculture-related industries contributed $789 billion to the U.S. economy in 2013 and employed millions of Americans. Even citizens with no connection to the agriculture industry rely on the policies passed by legislators and upheld by government agencies to keep us safe.

So far in 2016, legislation has been debated on the following issues:

• Senate Ag Committee passed child nutrition guidelines
• Congress appropriated funds for university research on food-borne illness, bees, and crop diseases
• President Obama vetoed congressional repeal of federal water regulations
• America negotiated an international trade agreement with 12 nations
• State and federal legislators are debating new GMO labeling regulations

How is policy created?

Lastly, it is important to understand how the key players interact to create policy. Congress may pass legislation, but they receive input from industry leaders, associations, the other branches of government, and constituents. While ag policy may not receive as much popular media attention as other issues, legislators still take it seriously. (In fact, Senator Ted Cruz was the first Republican presidential candidate to win the Iowa caucus without the support of the corn industry.) 

Legislators are most interested in the opinions of their constituents, so it is important for all citizens to remain informed. The purpose of this blog is to help readers cultivate a broader knowledge of agricultural issues and policy.