Why It Matters

Archer Daniels Midland Co. is fighting to protect core business interests amid political and regulatory headwinds. The agriculture giant’s lobbying push this quarter targets renewable fuels policy threatened by EPA small refinery exemptions, agricultural trade amid a farm sector financial crisis, and carbon capture tax incentives despite safety scrutiny at its Illinois facility. ADM’s strategy deploys a seasoned in-house team with direct Agriculture Committee experience to navigate this volatile landscape.

By the Numbers

Archer Daniels Midland Co. spent $1.49 million on in-house lobbying in third quarter 2025, part of approximately $41.06 million across 144 filings since 2003.

ADM’s four-person in-house team brings substantial government experience. Matthew Gerald O’Mara worked on House and Senate Agriculture Committees; Trevor N. Reuschel, a 2025 addition, served 12+ years including as Chief of Staff to Rep. Cheri Bustos; and Bryan Douglas Dierlam held House Agriculture Committee roles. Maria Branca Pica Karp brings corporate government affairs expertise from Chevron.

ADM supplements in-house efforts with external firms including Mehlman Consulting Inc., Second Curve Strategies LLC, and BGR Government Affairs LLC.

The Agenda

Archer Daniels Midland Co. is lobbying on renewable fuels policy, including the Renewable Fuel Standard, year-round E15 sales, and biodiesel tax credits. ADM is pushing for clean energy tax incentives like the 45Z and 45Q credits, which support carbon capture and sustainable aviation fuel projects.

On agriculture, ADM is lobbying for U.S. Grain Standards Act reauthorization and food safety regulations, including reforms to the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) approval process. The company is also engaged on trade policy and food aid programs.

Broader Context

ADM is lobbying during significant turbulence in agriculture and energy policy. The renewable fuels sector faces challenges from EPA-granted small refinery exemptions that have undercut biofuel volumes, prompting 49 congressional members to urge full reallocation. Meanwhile, the EPA already granted year-round E15 access in Midwest states.

U.S. farmers face potential losses exceeding $30 billion without additional aid, with farm debt hitting record levels.

ADM’s carbon capture operations face headwinds after the company’s Decatur facility violated the Safe Drinking Water Act following an 8,000-metric-ton CO2 leak.

Between The Lines

Congress is actively shaping policy on ADM’s priorities. Resolutions celebrating the RFS’s 20th anniversary reflect favorable sentiment. Senators are advocating for year-round E15 sales, aligning with ADM’s position.

Both chambers held hearings on U.S. Grain Standards Act reauthorization, a top ADM priority. Multiple hearings highlighted an "economic crisis in farm country," amplifying pressure for agricultural support.

However, Representatives Sean Casten and Jared Huffman urged the EPA to halt CCS operations, citing well failures at ADM’s Decatur facility—a major obstacle for ADM’s CCS expansion.

Competitive Landscape

ADM operates in a crowded space where numerous organizations share similar priorities. On renewable fuels, ADM aligns with the American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, and Cargill Inc.

On carbon capture, ADM faces unique pressure. While bills like the Financing Our Energy Future Act could expand favorable tax structures, ADM’s facility has drawn specific scrutiny that competitors may avoid.

The Bottom Line

ADM’s $1.49 million lobbying effort faces mixed politics. Bipartisan support for renewable fuels remains strong, with Congress pushing year-round E15 sales. Agricultural trade policy enjoys broad backing amid farm sector crisis. However, ADM confronts significant regulatory headwinds on carbon capture operations following the Illinois CO2 leak violation.

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