written by Amy Beeler Herman, Amy Beeler Herman Communications

The outcome of the midterm general elections will play a significant role in agricultural policy according to Jim Wiesemeyer, Informa Economics, Inc. The Washington, DC, consultant and writer says that if the GOP wins the election, Republicans may be appointed to key Congressional committees which will help agriculture.

Wiesemeyer charted out the election possibilities and political aftermath to the 150 attendees at the 2010 NAMA Trends in Agriculture conference, October 5-6, in Minneapolis, MN. He shared the predictions of Charlie Cook, political analyst for the National Journal Group, who says the Republicans will “’win 40 House seats and that a takeover is more likely than not.’”

Like the opening session speakers Mark Pearson and Jay Lehr, Wiesemeyer says agriculture is in a robust growth market if the US allows agribusiness and producers to operate. “If allowed, this will be the golden era of US ag,” he says. The difference between today and what many consider a golden era in the 1970s is commodity buyers — namely China and India — are paying cash.