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Big agribusinesses have significantly increased their lobbying and campaign contributions in recent years as lawmakers discuss important policies like the farm bill that impact food production in the U.S.
Companies like Tyson Foods and Deere & Co. have donated substantial amounts to political campaigns and partisan groups, with a focus on supporting Republicans, according to OpenSecrets data. For example, Tyson Foods affiliates have already spent $886,000 in the current election cycle, representing a significant portion of their 2020 spending.
While the companies themselves cannot directly contribute to campaigns, donations from PACs, employees, and family members reflect the industry’s political priorities. Agribusinesses spent a total of $124 million on campaigns in the 2023-2024 election cycle, with data for donations after June 30 not yet available.
Montaire Farms, a chicken producer, emerged as the top contributor in this cycle, with affiliates contributing over $12 million to candidates and partisan groups. Other major spenders include Wonderful Co. and Tyson Foods.
Agriculture a major force in election politics
Agribusiness campaign contributions by election year
The trend of increased spending is expected to continue in 2024, with this election cycle projected to be the most expensive in history in nominal dollars, according to Open Secrets. However, adjusted for inflation, overall spending is lower than in 2020.
Higher campaign spending is concurrent with increased lobbying efforts by agribusinesses, particularly on issues like the farm bill. A report from the Union of Concerned Scientists revealed a 22% increase in lobbying spending from 2019 to 2023, with a significant portion occurring in 2023.
Dr. Omanjana Goswami, a key author of the report, emphasized the significant influence of money in politics, highlighting a “pay-to-play” system where large donations shape policy decisions and discourse.
Buying ‘a foot in the door’
Campaign contributions play a vital role in maintaining access to influential lawmakers, often viewed as a means of securing access, according to Ben Lilliston, director of rural strategies and climate change at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy.
While donations can facilitate access, Clare Brock, an assistant professor at Colorado State University, noted that campaign spending does not always directly translate into political influence. Many companies opt to focus on lobbying efforts to advance specific legislation rather than solely relying on election politics.
Following the money
Top agribusiness contributors in the 2024 election cycle
The prolonged legislative process, such as passing the farm bill, has contributed to increased lobbying expenses, as Congress has become more polarized. Agribusinesses allocated a record $178 million for lobbying in 2023, with over 1,300 lobbyists representing the sector.
Agriculture spends big to cultivate influence
Annual agribusiness expenditures on lobbying
Despite the significant financial resources required, smaller groups face challenges in influencing policies, according to Lilliston of the IATP. Non-industry groups often struggle to gain traction for their policies unless there is a strong grassroots movement to counterbalance the influence of larger agribusinesses.
“Reforms that you think are needed, you can’t even get it on the agenda,” Lilliston said. “It’s hard to go up against [Big Ag] unless you are really well organized.”