The role of special interest groups in agricultural policy: a case study of the 1995 Farm Bill

Abstract

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.