Why it matters

Archer Daniels Midland’s 71% increase in lobbying expenditures signals an aggressive push to influence agricultural and energy policies critical to its diverse business operations across food, feed, and bio-fuel sectors.

By the numbers

  • $1,980,000 spent on in-house lobbying in Q1 2025, up from $1,160,000 in Q4 2024
  • Additional $80,000 through Mehlman Consulting Inc.
  • Total Q1 spending: $2,060,000

The big picture

The agricultural processing giant is prioritizing a broad policy agenda. ADM still values traditional agricultural issues but has moved to also focus on climate-related initiatives.

Lobbying targets

  • Farm Bill and agricultural policy: Core focus on legislation affecting farm economy and agricultural markets;
  • Climate and energy: Aggressive lobbying on 45Q and 45Z tax credits, carbon capture storage, and Climate Smart Agriculture rules;
  • Biofuels: Pushing for year-round E15 sales through the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act (S. 593);
  • Trade and logistics: Engaging on tariffs and maritime issues affecting agricultural exports (USTR-2025-0002), and
  • Food regulation: Seeking reforms to Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) pathways and other food regulatory systems

Inside the lobbying team

ADM relies on a mix of experienced agricultural policy veterans and newer high-level legislative strategists:

  • Bryan Douglas Dierlam: Former Minority Senior Professional Staff for the House Agriculture Committee with over two decades of lobbying experience, previously represented National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
  • Matthew Gerald O’Mara: Former Professional Staff Member for Senate Agriculture Committee and House Agriculture Subcommittee Staff Director, bringing expertise in food regulation and biotechnology
  • Trevor N. Reuschel: Newer addition who previously served as a Deputy Chief of Staff on Capitol Hill, providing high-level legislative strategy across ADM’s diverse policy portfolio

Between the lines

ADM’s lobbying strategy reveals it is betting on both traditional agricultural policy and the emerging climate transition in agriculture and transportation fuels. The company’s lobbying disclosure suggests preparation for significant upcoming legislative or regulatory battles affecting its competitive position in biofuels and agricultural processing.

What we’re watching

The increased investment in lobbying, particularly for climate-smart agriculture and biofuel initiatives, indicates ADM is positioning itself at the intersection of agriculture and climate policy — a nexus where significant federal funding and regulatory changes are expected in coming years.