Build Your Public Affairs Strategy Before the Pressure Hits
In the fields of agriculture and energy, the pace of change isn’t just accelerating—it’s becoming more polarized. From climate-smart ag programs and biofuels incentives to federal funding eligibility, tax exemptions, and international tariffs, policy discussions are growing more contentious by the day. Whether it’s debates over conservation compliance, rural infrastructure grants, or carbon markets, there’s more at stake—and more scrutiny.
Even if public relations or government engagement hasn’t been a priority in the past, today’s environment is different. A single bill—local, state, or federal—can introduce unexpected challenges, making it more important than ever to clearly communicate, defend, and advocate for the value your organization brings.
That’s where public affairs comes in.
While a government affairs team engages with the lawmakers and agencies that matter to your organization, they need support. Public affairs shows that your issues matter to broader stakeholders and are part of the public discussion. A good public affairs program can make your issue a priority.
Just like crisis communications, public affairs success depends on having a plan—and trusted connections—ready before you actually need them.
Why Wait Until It’s a Fire Drill?
Too often, public affairs is siloed or saved for "when things get hot." But the best grassroots engagement doesn’t start with panic—it starts with planning. It’s a long game, and Paulsen knows how to play it.
Take the example of defending the 1099 tax exemption for farmer-owned co-ops. This isn’t something you want to scramble on when lawmakers are already drafting budget resolutions. The groundwork needs to be laid far in advance: educating farmers, building relationships with ag media, and generating public support—so your representative can’t ignore it, or pretend it’s not a priority.
We help you build that machine before you need to turn it on.
Laying the Groundwork: Public Affairs Before the Call to Action
We’ve worked with ag and energy organizations to proactively engage with industry and local media, develop technical white papers, and shape narratives before misinformation spreads. Our approach blends traditional PR with targeted messaging and stakeholder outreach—getting the right information to the right audiences at the right time.
In the early phases of public affairs, we help clients:
Define the Policy Stakes: What’s at risk for your organization—and why it matters?
Align Internal and External Messaging: Everyone from your board to your boots-on-the-ground should be telling the same story.
Build Your Supporter Base: Using tools like FOCUS sessions and audience segmentation, we help you identify and activate grassroots champions.
Create Visibility: From op-eds and media coverage to influencer engagement and signage, we get your message in front of decision-makers and the communities they represent.
It’s relationship-building. It’s groundwork. It’s storytelling with a policy edge.
When the Moment Comes: Turning on the Machine
When a vote is looming or a policy is on the line, your strategy needs to move fast. That’s why we don’t just help you shape the message; we build the infrastructure to deliver it.
In the activation phase, we help clients:
Rally Stakeholders: Equip your supporters with messaging, visuals, and ready-to-use digital tools.
Create High-Impact Moments: From a coordinated social media push to remarks at a public hearing, these are the moments that make your issue impossible to ignore. Add in a photogenic event—like a rally at the state capitol or a site tour with local officials—and you've created the kind of visibility that drives action.
Target the Right Decision-Makers: Sometimes, it’s all about reaching one legislator or committee. We know how to tailor the message and the messenger.
Let’s Get Ahead of It—Together
If policy impacts your future, it’s time to make public affairs part of your strategy. Whether you're starting fresh or refining what you already have, Paulsen can help you tell your story, build influence, and be ready when it counts.