Political scientists and theoreticians have long debated the shape of the political spectrum; is it a straight line from left to right? Or is it a curve where the edges of the left and the edges of the right come together? Some of the recent debates in ag policy would seem to be evidence of the latter. Consider the group Freedom Works. It is a conservative, market-oriented organization, self-described as “the nation’s premier grassroots advocacy group dedicated to freedom and small government.” And it holds sway with conservative Republicans in Congress. Freedom Works has increasingly become involved in various ag policy debates, most recently staking out support of California’s Proposition 12, and opposing commodi...

TAGS – North America