Communications head says ‘we need your help’
Syngenta’s head of corporate communications took a moment at the National Farm Machinery Show yesterday to ask for farmers’ help moving agricultural priorities forward this election season.
As Paul Minehart explained to Farms.com in Louisville, Kentucky, “before we get too far into this election year, we want to remind farmers of some of the key issues we in agriculture are dealing with. These are key federal issues, but they are not always top of mind.
“There is strength in numbers,” said the Washington, D.C.-based Minehart (in photo below, at the Syngenta exhibit at today's event). “We need more voices to be heard. That’s what moves the needle when it comes to policy.”
This is the last year of President Barack Obama’s second term, making it likely the administration will work to address legacy issues that could impact the ag world.
Jeffrey Sands, manager of federal government relations for Syngenta, has said that international trade and energy are among the legacy issues that ag interests might be able to work on with the Obama administration during its waning months.
“In a democracy we need to ensure our voices are heard,” said Minehart. “We want to remind all farmers and ag professionals of that.”
Syngenta has suggested farmers also follow these issues over the coming months.
Trade Pact Delay: Negotiations have concluded on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and now it’s up to Congress to pass the massive trade deal.
Immigration Reform Challenges: The majority in Congress has indicated that they are not particularly interested in working with the President on immigration in 2016.
Regulatory Focus: Experts expect to see regulatory action increase significantly as agency heads have been charged with putting the finishing touches on key legacy issues for the Obama administration.
Biotech Acceptance: Known as the Coordinated Framework, a proposed effort to modernize the regulatory channels for approving new biotech traits within three federal agencies is speeding up the conversation regarding biotechnology acceptance.
Energy and Climate Change: This is another legacy area where agricultural interests may be able to work with the Obama administration, but regulatory and congressional action late in 2015 may have limited the possibilities.