Experts note parallels in the methods of influencing policy between the oil and gas sector and agribusiness.

In an interview for the "Real Organic Podcast," Amy Westervelt, author of the book "Brought to You By: Inside Big Oil’s Total Information War," noted corporations' use of "pre-lobbying" tactics. According to the expert, major players in the agricultural market establish their own research centers and fund universities to obtain the scientific basis necessary to promote policy decisions that benefit them. Similar strategies have previously been documented in the oil industry.

Westervelt emphasized that corporate influence encompasses a broad ecosystem, including think tanks, consulting and law firms, and engagement with opinion leaders. Think tanks often operate with low transparency, failing to disclose their donors, and prepare experts to promote specific positions in the media. Furthermore, within the academic environment, funding can influence the choice of research topics, limiting the study of issues potentially inconvenient for the industry.

As a historical example of changes in corporate communications, Westervelt cited the chemical industry’s reaction to the publication of Rachel Carson’s book "Silent Spring" in 1962. At that time, public relations specialist E. Bruce Harrison proposed a "greenwashing" strategy, in which companies focused public attention on voluntary environmental initiatives to weaken pressure for the adoption of strict government regulations.

Today, in Westervelt’s view, these methods have become more sophisticated due to technological platforms that allow corporations to strengthen their presence in the information space and limit alternative viewpoints. The coordination of efforts across various channels—from the academic environment to strategic lawsuits—creates an advantage for transnational companies that, as the journalist asserts, allows them to influence the decision-making context at an international level, sometimes surpassing the capabilities of individual governments.