b'S T R A T E G Yor youre working elsewherebecause it was boiled down to in agribusinesses: We havesomething they understood.people there representingI cant overemphasize howAt the end of the day, hearing from the boots on the us. Fischer says. And itsimportant the personal storyground folks in our country that are dealing with these true, there are three ladies onis, she says.this panel who are incredibleIn addition, to help getissues firsthand and on a day-to-day basis is so critically representatives in Washington.messages across, showcas- important. Theres no substitute for youing resources that agriculture telling your personal story. might need help withlike Janae BradyWhether its in D.C. or atfunding for researchis a local town hall, Fischer saysalways helpful.engagement and advocationThey might not haveSince the election, the Hillvoters that showed up to elec-on an issue is important.agriculture in their district orhasnt slowed down. tions were willing to maintain I can tick off count- in their state, but every stateWe expected thethe status quo.less examples where onehas a land grant universityMidterms to bring new facesThe election results dem-personone grower talkingand research institutions thatto Congress and we plan toonstrate that the strength of to a member of Congress are critically important tobe proactive in engaging withindividual candidates mat-moved the needle on an issue,them, she adds. They dontthose offices to help educateters, she says. Many vulner-he says. Instead of taking italways understand what thaton the priorities and chal- able House Ag Committee for granted, that producerresearch is doing for the aglenges in the seed industry,Democrats held onto seats; took the initiative to reach outindustryadding a little bitBrady says. While we haveand though the House flipped, and tell their story, and it had aof support for why things likenew members of Congressit will have razor thin margins. huge impact. those are important can hope- to work with and a change inThis farm bill will be a first for But, Thatcher says itsfully get support when itsparty control of the House, wemany of the Members on the important to engage not onlytime to push. dont expect drastic changesHouse Ag Committee, includ-your representative, but thein the work of ASTA on behalfing new members who will staffers on the Hill as well.Moving on Past Elections of our members. Our strategyjoin in January. In the Senate, Staffers help to take meetingsWith the elections nowwill largely remain the samethe majority will remain when representatives are busybehind us, things on the Hill to advance good policies atnarrow, even with the Georgiaand having them under- still arent firmly in place. Withthe federal, state, and localrunoff on December 6th. It stand a situation can help inelections closed as of Dec. 6,levels that will support alltakes 60 votes to pass a farm the long run. the industry will be able to seeof our members, which arebill in the Senate, so with these As an example, Thatcherhow everything shapes up incompanies of all sizes and allthin margins, bipartisanship says most staffers are freshterms of a regulatory atmos- sectors. We look forward towill be as important as ever.out of college, with little ideaphere for the next year.bringing that broad, unifiedEditors Note: This piece about how much familiesThere are some big-ticketvoice to Capitol Hill.was published prior to the are having to pay for healthitems that we havent done,From Wood Petersonsrelease of all final election insurance. If you start theThatcher says, citing theperspective, it looks like theresults. SWconversation by telling themlack of a USDA trade person how much you pay, staff- and lack of trade person for ON THE WEBers are better able to trulyagriculture at the USTR as oneWHERE understand the urgency of themajor problem. Its going to issue and work with their bossbe a really interesting time toWant to watch the full webinar? Make sure to visit: seedworld.com/how-do-midterm-elections-affect-to co-sponsor legislation get involved in this farm bill. the-seed-industry-a-seed-world-strategy-webinar-podcast.ENDORSED BY 74/ SEEDWORLD.COMJANUARY 2023'