b'in seed breeding. Lacking the background, she explains thatPRACTICE THESE LOBBYING TIPSlegislators and their con-stituents can be influencedFor stakeholders new to lobbying, these tips from the experts offerby emotional, simplisticallyways to be effective: misleading messages that are meant to sow fear and doubt.Legislators are people, too. They want to listen to you, so help them out by So, to maintain confidence inproviding the information they need to make decisions.the industry, she says the mes- Introduce yourself, where you are from and whether you are a constituent. sage must make them careBe concise in your message and open for questions.and want to know more about industry issues.S hare an executive summary of an issue that efficiently lays out the I applaud ASTA for theirfacts. Be as accurate as possible and never intentionally give false or role in alleviating so many newinflammatory information. Legislators remember who they can trust to breeding technique problemsgive them the truth in an objective manner.already, adds Bryan Gentsch. In Texas, we are in our third Dont take a negative or partisan tone. Seek common ground. legislative effort to privatize seed certification and join theUse all the tools available to connect, including in-person, calls, email and 36 states that do not rely on aZoom.state agency for this service.Have Plan A, Plan B and Plan C. Plan A is a one-minute elevator message John and Shannon Latham bothWe also realize reluctance towith a one-page leave behind. Plan B is a more relaxed discussion with a have a passion for politics andrevisit seed quality law which lobbying for the seed industry.has been virtually untouchedone-pager and additional detailed piece. Plan C is two or three one-pagers since 1938 in Texas. But wethat flow in a logical order, are easy to read and beg for follow-up.persist because, if fixed, it willGet over any perceived lack of fairness. Lobbyists are the people you pay dividends to every seedhire to protect you from the people you elect, and fair is not a word that company in Texas.experienced lobbyists use often.Operate Efficiently atRecognize how many things staff are juggling and get a measure of how State Level chaotic things are prior to your appointment. Being respectful of time pays Miller keeps an eye on these Texas issues and othersdividends.because they generally spread from one state to another as legislative staffers communi- When youve made the sale, stop selling.cate with each other. He works with Janae Brady, ASTA senior director of government affairs, to monitor movement to the When youve made the sale, stop selling. If you receive indications thatfederal level as well. you have gained support, wrap-up quickly, say thank you and exit. But if Since any federal issuein hostile territory, make sure you deliver the full-meal deal, time-share most likely started at the statecondo sales pitch with appropriate courtesy.level, this is a way to see what may be potentially headed our Dont be perturbed with difficulty meeting directly with a legislator. way down the road. We learnIncluding staff is ideal. A meeting with a legislator and no staff present is Bryan Gentsch pushes forwardfrom the folks at home, shegenerally a waste of time. lobbying for changes in the seedsays. Often, the state and fed-quality law in Texas, because theeral activities we are working C ome to grips with the fact that your state capitol and D.C. are run by benefits to seed companies areon can mirror each other. underqualified, underpaid, underappreciated 23-year-old staffers. View high. Miller works with grassrootsthem as friends and allies.members, coalitions with other ag groups and state agIt is unhealthy to be emotionally invested in any legislation. Youll suffer departments.less stress and live longer if you remain objective and understand some Most states are in sessionthings are beyond your control. in the spring only, so there is 32/ SEEDWORLD.COMJUNE 2021'