Texas Gov. George W. Bush took another step Wednesday toward gaining Iowans’ support in his presidential bid by unveiling plans for an Iowa Agriculture Team.

The team is designed as an opportunity for Bush to hear concerns and gain information from agricultural experts all around the state.

The team consists of about 100 individuals from commodity groups, such as the Iowa Soybean Association and the Iowa Pork Producers, agricultural representatives in government and Iowa farmers.

Former Iowa Agricultural Secretary Robert Lounsberry and former farm report broadcaster Herb Plambeck of Des Moines will head up the team.

“The team’s goals will be to provide Bush with the latest information on issues surrounding agriculture in the state and to enlist support for the presidential candidates’ campaign around the state,” said Eric Woolson, Iowa press coordinator with the Bush for President campaign.

Jeff Schnell, public policy director for the Iowa Pork Producers, said Bush’s plan isn’t anything new in the realm of politics.

“Most presidential candidates have agricultural teams,” he said. “Obviously, the candidates don’t know everything about agriculture, and the producers don’t know everything there is to know about the candidate.”

Schnell also said the team is a good way to exchange information, although the effectiveness depends on how the candidates use the information they receive from the agricultural teams.

Steffen Schmidt, university professor of political science at Iowa State, said Bush’s announcement makes for a deft political tactic.

“One of the criticisms of Bush is that he has not been specific on issues,” he said. “It is also a fairly smart move since it responds to the issue of Bush not being very specific about policies. If he picks a good ag team, it will give a lot of credibility to him.”

The team will not hold official meetings but will use various means of communication, such as telephone and e-mail, to discuss issues facing Iowa agriculture.