On Monday, the U.S. Agriculture Department banned its researchers from communicating with the public about taxpayer-funded research. Just one day later, after suffering a public relations backlash, the USDA rescinded its original order. However, some agricultural analysts say they are concerned about future limits on public communications involving agencies that oversee environmental and scientific policy. Harvest Public Media’s Kristofor Husted explains what those types of gag orders could mean for farmers in the Midwest.
Harvest Public Media is a reporting collaboration focused on issues of food, fuel and field. Harvest covers agriculture-related topics through a network of reporters and partner stations throughout the Midwest.