Government Affairs & Public Policy Consulting for Agriculture & Conservation
Expert Policy Advocacy, Legislative Strategy & Science Policy Services for Sustainable Agriculture Organizations
RKO Consulting helps mission-driven organizations bring clarity and confidence to complex policy landscapes. Whether advancing sustainable agriculture, soil health, or conservation goals, we bridge the gap between science and policy to create pathways for real-world impact. Our team translates research and stakeholder input into actionable public policy solutions—always grounded in evidence, empathy, and partnership.
Government Affairs & Legislative Consulting Services
Partnering with RKO Consulting Group means gaining a trusted, affordable government affairs partner who is both a practitioner in sustainable agriculture and an experienced policy expert. We operate as an extension of your team—helping you navigate policy opportunities with clarity and confidence.
You can expect:
Regular updates and check-ins with the RKO Consulting Team to ensure ongoing alignment and responsiveness to your priorities.
Direct congressional and agency engagement on behalf of your organization, helping you stay visible and connected in key policy spaces.
A nonpartisan approach that builds authentic relationships with lawmakers across the political spectrum.
Custom resources designed for you to share with your board, partners, or members—summarizing relevant policy updates and actions.
Clear communication and accessible expertise, connecting the dots between sustainable agriculture science and practical policy outcomes.
This service is billed as a monthly retainer, providing ongoing, customized support that evolves with your organization’s goals and the policy landscape.
Advocacy Strategy Development & Campaign Implementation
Turning ideas into influence requires strategy and persistence. RKO Consulting Group partners with nonprofits, coalitions, and advocacy networks to design and implement campaigns that move the needle on sustainability, soil health, and environmental resilience. We combine data-driven insight with human connection to help you build advocacy strategies that inspire collaboration—not polarization.
This is a contained, short-term engagement designed to equip your organization with a focused, actionable advocacy plan. You’ll leave with a clear roadmap, strategic guidance, and tools to begin implementing your efforts right away.
Our advocacy campaign services include:
Collaborative meetings with key leaders to establish advocacy priorities that reflect your mission, capacity, and vision for impact.
Integration of RKO’s deep expertise in agricultural and science policy to ensure your plan is evidence-based and grounded in real-world dynamics.
An actionable advocacy guide that includes:
A customized engagement calendar
Clear positioning statements for your organization
Identified coalition partners and engagement streams that fit your capacity and goals
Follow-up coaching sessions to help your team launch the plan and build early momentum toward implementation.
This service helps you move from intention to confident action—empowering your organization to advocate strategically and sustainably.
What an Extended Government Shutdown Means for Science and Agriculture
While the political dynamics are complex, the human and economic effects are already significant. For the science and agriculture sectors, the impacts of a prolonged shutdown ripple across laboratories, farms, and research institutions nationwide. Learn about the impacts of a shutdown on science and agriculture.
Policy Analysis, White Papers & Legislative Reports
Clear, evidence-based policy analysis is at the heart of informed decision-making. RKO Consulting Group translates complex scientific and technical information into policy insights that drive action. We specialize in creating nonpartisan reports, white papers, and decision briefs that make scientific knowledge accessible—and actionable—for policymakers, funders, and advocacy partners.
This short-term, project-based service delivers clear, science-based analysis and communication tools that strengthen your organization’s influence in policy and stakeholder spaces. Each engagement is tailored to your goals and audience.
Our policy analysis and research services include:
Identifying the key questions your audience or decision-makers need answered.
Synthesizing data, research, and stakeholder insights into concise, visually engaging materials.
Bringing in stakeholder perspectives through interviews or focus groups, when needed, to ensure relevance and inclusivity.
Crafting language and visuals that resonate with both technical and non-technical audiences.
Providing actionable recommendations and next steps grounded in scientific evidence and practical application.
Ensuring all deliverables are nonpartisan and science-based, maintaining your organization’s credibility and trust.
Timelines vary by scope, but every project concludes with clear, actionable insights designed to help you inform, influence, and inspire real-world decisions.
Bridging the Gap: Building Empathy and Relationships Between Scientists and Policymakers
In an era where scientific insights are critical to addressing society’s biggest challenges—from soil health to sustainable agriculture—the bridge between researchers and policymakers is more important than ever. See why relationships matter more than reports.
Science Policy Consulting & Research Translation Services
Science has the power to shape a sustainable future—when it’s communicated with clarity and purpose. RKO Consulting Group helps scientists, nonprofits, and organizations translate research into policy relevance. Through science policy advising, we bridge the gap between evidence and implementation, empowering you to share insights that inform effective, equitable policy decisions.
Our science policy advisory services:
Translation of scientific findings into clear, policy-ready insights and narratives.
Strategic communication plans aligned with your mission, stakeholders, and policy environment.
Capacity-building sessions that strengthen your team’s confidence and skill in policy engagement.
Identification of strategic opportunities to connect your research or expertise to active policy discussions and initiatives.
This service is billed as a monthly retainer, offering ongoing, customized advising and strategic support to ensure your organization’s voice and science are represented in the policy arena.
Making Important Work Happen
Our team combines hands-on sustainable agriculture expertise with proven government relations experience, serving as your trusted policy partner in navigating federal and state legislative landscapes.
