buzz

The Podesta Group has a long and effective history of securing victories for clients in food, nutrition and agriculture. We have represented industry leading coalitions, trade associations and major corporations. We have made a name in Washington as a go-to firm for some of the toughest political issues, particularly in this new and rapidly changing regulatory environment. Our agriculture team boasts senior professionals who have served in key roles within the administration, on Capitol Hill, in the public interest sector and on the campaign trail. They bring with them deep, substantive expertise on agriculture issues stemming from years of work with USDA, the FDA and relevant congressional committees. These include longstanding ties to the House and Senate agriculture committees and Appropriations subcommittees. Whether taking on the USDA to protect consumers, or working on issues of food safety or fair trade, our team is very adept at developing savvy messages that resonate with decision-makers and formulating smart strategies that drive those messages home and yield results. 

Wins

Agriculture

Buzz

The New York Times
February 6, 2011

After wrapping her arms around the retail giant Wal-Mart and trying to cajole food makers into producing nutrition labels that are easier to understand, Michelle Obama, the first lady and a healthy-eating advocate, has her sights set on a new target: the nation’s restaurants.

Michelle Obama last month announcing an agreement with Wal-Mart that is a part of her effort to influence dietary habits.
Atlanta Journal Constitution
December 8, 2010

The last things we want to worry about over the holidays are food safety hazards, such as salmonella or E. coli in poultry, eggs, meat or peanut products, fruits and vegetables.

Every year, about 70 million Americans suffer some sort of food-borne illness, with an estimated 300,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths.
The Plain Dealer
November 14, 2010

When you go to your supermarket meat case, you can choose among many different kinds of quality beef. Chances are there will be cuts of beef that are clearly labeled as lean, USDA prime or natural.
Houston Chronicle
July 9, 2010

Legend has it that the Emperor Nero fiddled while Rome burned. Almost two millennia later, Congress keeps quarreling while the world keeps warming. Greenhouse gas emissions have grown by 70 percent from 1970 to 2004 and are projected to increase from 25 percent to 90 percent more by 2030. By the end of the century, global average temperatures are expected to increase by from 1.1 to 6.4 degrees Celsius. In the face of this, food production is at risk and actions are needed.    
Bowie Blade-News
July 8, 2010

Crofton resident and U.S. Foodservice Corporate Chef Marty Bermpohl joined first lady Michelle Obama on the South Lawn of the White House to kickoff the USDA’s “Chefs Move to Schools” initiative on June 4. The campaign was created to help schools across the country promote healthy eating habits, and also partners with a Bowie school.

Through the program, chefs will partner with local schools to jointly create healthy meals that meet the schools’ dietary guidelines and budgets while teaching young people about nutrition and making balanced and healthy choices.
Politico
May 18, 2010

These days, in the world of politics and policymaking, “earmarks” is an eight-letter word that might as well be a four-letter word. 

 
The Daily Caller
March 1, 2010

First lady Michelle Obama is taking on a tough but crucial challenge with her new national campaign, “Let’s Move,” to combat childhood obesity. Just looking at these frightening facts: Almost one in three children in this country is overweight. About 17 percent are dangerously obese. And a quarter of all kids from 5 to 10 already have high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels. What’s cause for concern isn’t only how much we know about the prevalence of childhood obesity but also how little we know about how to prevent it through healthy eating.

Pulse

Be Prepared: Lessons from the Food Industry and the Interagency Working Group Debate
November 16, 2011

Imagine if a working group of four federal agencies issued a set of “voluntary” guidelines that could drastically change how your industry does business. Surely, you’d want to know how to gain a seat at the policymaking table.