1 Getting Involved: Agricultural Politics Unit 4, Lesson 7 Advanced Agriculture Business Curriculum

2 What is a politician? A politician is an individual who is a formally recognized and active member of a government, or a person who influences the way a society is governed through an understanding of political power and group dynamics.

3 So, who is an agricultural politician? Those people that are involved in creating or enforcing policy related to the food, fiber, and natural resource system. They have a passion for agriculture and a passion for serving others. Agriculture politicians can be everyday farmers and ranchers with a passion to make things better!

4 Why do we need policymakers in agriculture? Rural politicians and those concerned with agriculture. –Protect the rights of farmers and ranchers. –Bring a voice to the table when setting prices, rules, and ideas, all done on behalf of local agriculturists (represent). –Often bring common-sense to lawmaking. –Improve the economy via agriculture products. –Promote pride in Colorado agriculture and the products we produce. –Assist with trade discussion over-seas.

5 Describe the steps necessary to become involved in ag. politics. 1.Interest in government/law/ agriculture. 2.Get educated! (law degree, communications, agriculture, etc.) 1.Start small and start young! Don’t expect to start at the top of the ladder, but work your way up.

6 Careers in Ag. Politics Administrative Fields Positions that must be filled and you are put into position via your job skills or a recommendation by someone “higher-up”. Provide support and guidance for elected officials. Includes over 9.5 million people that are paid by the government (federal, state, and local). Elective Fields Elected by the voters. Your job is to represent the people. You are at the mercy of the American public to keep your job.

7 Sample Careers in the Administrative Sector Secretary of Agriculture. Foreign Relations. Diplomats. Ag. Lawyers. Lobbyists. Can you name others?

8 Sample Careers in the Elected Sector County Commissioner. State Representative. State or National Senate. State or National House of Representatives. President of the United States.