House Committee on Agriculture

House Committee on Agriculture
Committee	House Committee on Agriculture
Congress	118th
Jurisdiction	Agriculture, nutrition, forestry, and rural development
Chair	Glenn Thompson (R-PA)
Ranking member	David Scott (D-GA)
Seats	46
Majority party	Republican Party (United States)
Majority seats	25
Minority party	Democratic Party (United States)
Minority seats	21
Policy areas	Agriculture, food, conservation, rural affairs
Founded	03 May 1820
Website	https://agriculture.house.gov/

House Committee on Agriculture is a standing committee of the United States House of Representatives with broad authority over the nation's agricultural and food systems. Established in the early 19th century, it is responsible for drafting and overseeing legislation related to farming, nutrition assistance, forestry, and rural development. The committee plays a pivotal role in shaping the periodic omnibus farm bill, a comprehensive package of legislation that governs federal agricultural and food policy. Its work directly impacts the United States Department of Agriculture, commodity markets, and the economic health of rural communities across the country.

History

The committee was created on May 3, 1820, in response to the growing economic and political importance of agriculture in the young republic. Its early years were marked by debates over land policy, tariffs, and the establishment of the United States Department of Agriculture during the American Civil War under President Abraham Lincoln. The committee's influence expanded significantly in the 20th century with the New Deal era's Agricultural Adjustment Act and the creation of major programs like the Food Stamp Act of 1964. Key legislative milestones include the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 and the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, commonly known as the farm bills, which are renewed approximately every five years. Throughout its history, the committee has been central to policies addressing dust bowl conditions, Great Depression-era farm crises, and modern issues like biofuels and climate change.

Jurisdiction

As defined by House rules, the committee's jurisdiction encompasses all matters relating to agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture. This includes federal policy on horticulture, livestock, dairy, poultry, meat inspection, and animal welfare. It holds authority over soil conservation, water conservation projects related to agriculture, and forestry schools, except those under the Smith–Lever Act of 1914. The committee legislates on rural electrification, rural development, and farm credit. It is also responsible for laws governing domestic nutrition assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and school meal programs. Additionally, it oversees matters related to agricultural research, extension services, and agricultural economics.

Members, 118th Congress

The committee in the 118th Congress is chaired by Republican Glenn Thompson of Pennsylvania, with David Scott of Georgia serving as the ranking member for the Democratic Party. The Republican majority members include prominent figures such as Austin Scott, Doug LaMalfa, and Barry Moore. Notable Democratic members include Jim Costa of California, Abigail Spanberger of Virginia, and Jahana Hayes of Connecticut. The full roster reflects a geographic diversity representing major agricultural districts from the Midwestern United States to the Southern United States and California Central Valley.

Subcommittees

The committee's work is organized into six subcommittees, each focusing on a specific policy area. These are the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development; the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology; the Subcommittee on Forestry; the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit; the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry; and the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture. Each subcommittee holds hearings, marks up legislation, and conducts oversight within its specialized domain, allowing for detailed examination of complex issues like crop insurance, food safety, and international trade.

Chairs

Historically, the chairmanship has been held by influential members from major agricultural states. Notable past chairs include Galusha A. Grow of Pennsylvania, a key figure in 19th-century Homestead Acts, and Harold D. Cooley of North Carolina, who presided during the mid-20th century. More recent chairs include Larry Combest of Texas, Bob Goodlatte of Virginia, and Collin Peterson of Minnesota, who served as chairman during the 111th and 116th Congresses. The position alternates with party control of the United States House of Representatives, with the chair wielding significant influence over the committee's agenda and the farm bill process.

Legislative activity

The committee's primary legislative output is the multi-year farm bill, a massive piece of legislation that authorizes funding for commodity price supports, crop insurance, conservation programs, nutrition assistance, and agricultural trade. Beyond the farm bill, the committee regularly considers legislation on issues such as biotechnology regulation, disaster assistance for farmers, invasive species management, and rural broadband access. It conducts oversight hearings on the implementation of laws by the United States Department of Agriculture and agencies like the Food and Nutrition Service and the Farm Service Agency. Recent activity has also focused on addressing supply chain issues, responding to African swine fever threats, and promoting agricultural exports to markets like China and the European Union.

Category:United States House of Representatives committees Category:Agriculture in the United States Category:1820 establishments in the United States