Agricultural interest groups play an important role in the formation of agricultural
policy. History has shown that agricultural policy has developed gradually over time and
major reform is rare. When reform does take place, however, it is not without the support
of interest groups. This study describes the manner in which these organizations contribute
to the process of policy determination and their effects on the outcome of legislation.
This thesis provides an overview and characterization of 80 interest groups that were
involved in the 1995 Farm Bill process. Data was collected from testimony, newspaper
articles, position papers, personal interviews, and press releases. The information was then
organized to summarize the objectives of each organization and provide insight on their
strategies, methods of influence, structure, and composition. The study concludes with a
discussion about the outcome of the farm bill and an analysis of why some interest groups
may enjoy more success than others.
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