December 7, 2020

Congressman David Scott appointed US House Agriculture Committee Chairman

Georgia Congressman David Scott has been appointed United States House of Representatives' Agriculture Committee Chairman, the first African American and first Georgia state representative to be appointed chairman of the committee, Reuters reported.

He replaces Minnesota Democrat Collin Peterson, who lost his re-election bid after serving 29 years. Scott has served on the committee since his election in 2003.

US agriculture groups are concerned about the Midwest, where the majority of soybeans and corn are grown in the country, losing cloud in Congress after Peterson leaves. The groups have predicted that the new committee chairman will be appointed from a different region.

Scott cited his childhood growing up on his grandparents' South Carolina farm in a news release announcing his appointment. His priorities as chairman include trade, sustainable agriculture, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme, small family farms and specialty crops.

Scott said as chairman, he will fight against challenges such as the divide between rural and urban communities, as well as climate change affecting the country's food supply.

Peterson said Scott understands the impact of the committee towards farmers, ranchers, rural residents and consumers, and expressed confidence that the committee is in good hands.

The US House Agriculture Committee has jurisdiction over a wide range of agriculture and rural issues. These include the current Farm Bill that expires in 2023 and mandates about US$428 billion expenditure for the agriculture sector. The committee also covers renewable energy, disaster assistance, nutrition, and crop insurance.

- Reuters