U.S. Agricultural Groups

This dictionary profiles 103 private US organizations involved with the nation's agricultural policy process. . . . It contains an introductory essay chronicling the growth, aims, and objectives of agricultureal groups, foolowed by the organization profiles in alphabetical order, an appendix of related groups not mentioned in the text, and an index of corporate and personal names. . . . U.S. Agricultural Groups also includes concise descriptions of each group's origins, organizational structure, funding, policy concerns, and electoral activity. Libraries seeking detailed descriptions of the major organizations in this area will benefit from this title.

Choice

This reference source is ideal for anyone interested in the role of agricultural interests in American national politics. The book provides detailed profiles of more than 100 private organizations that are most likely to gain the greatest attention from those who observe, study, and participate in agricultural policy making. A range of organizations is covered, including mass membership organizations, trade associations, cooperatives, unions, public interest groups, think tanks, and policy research organizations, all of which are involved in some manner in the agricultural policy process. Preceding the profiles is an essay on both interests and policy, written by the editors of the volume. U.S. Agricultural Groups is intended to acquaint readers with the nature and activities of the organized interests in the agricultural policy arena, both historically and in the contemporary context.

Entries in the volume are prepared from a common format. The first part of each entry is a summary statement concerning the type and purpose of the organization, who is represented, and where the membership is concentrated. Next, information is provided concerning when and under what circumstances the organization came into being, the historically important issues of its concern, and a general discussion of the historical development of the organization. Information concerning the governing structure of the organization, the basis of memberships, funding sources, and memberships benefits is also provided. This volume will be make a valuable addition to any public or university library.

WILLIAM P. BROWNE is a Professor in the Department of Political Science at Central Michigan University. He is the author of Private Interests, Public Policy, and American Agriculture (1988), and Michigan Government and Politics (forthcoming), as well as many journal articles and essays.

ALLAN J. CIGLER is a Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Kansas. He is the editor of American Politics: Classic and Contemporary Readings (1989) and Interest Group Politics (1983 1st ed., 1986, 2nd ed.).