Front Groups

A front group, also known as the third-party technique, is an entity established to work for the interests of a company or trade association, while appearing to represent the public’s welfare. While front groups often profess to work for the common good or diverse stakeholders, these organizations avoid mentioning or selectively disclose their main sources of funding and real agenda. In this way, front groups deceptively sway public opinion by running media campaigns, positioning spokespeople in the media, producing reports and analysis, and more.

In the past 20 years, public relations professionals for the food industry have established dozens of front groups. This entry discusses the history of front groups and how these organizations are used to influence policy making about food and agriculture and to ...