Succeeds Rep. Collin Peterson, who was defeated in the November election
Rep. David Scott (D-Georgia) has been elected to serve as the House Agriculture Committee chairman, after current chairman Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minnesota) was defeated in his bid for re-election to Congress in November.
“Congratulations to David Scott on his election as the next Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and as the first African-American to serve in that role,” Peterson said. “He will make a great chairman, and I’m proud to pass the reins to him. As a long-time House ag member and leader, David knows very well the impact the committee’s work has on the lives of farmers, ranchers, rural residents, and consumers in communities across the country. I’m confident we’re all in good and capable hands.
Scott, who represents Georgia’s 13th Congressional District, was elected to the House of Representatives in 2002 and has served on the Agriculture Committee in every Congress since. He began his public service by being elected to the Georgia General Assembly in 1974.
Ag groups congratulate Scott
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), North American Meat Institute (NAMI) and National Chicken Council (NCC) were among the industry groups to congratulate Scott on his new role.
“For almost two decades Congressman Scott has worked on behalf of farmers and ranchers. His legislative experience, a childhood working on his grandparents’ farm, and being the first African American chosen to lead the committee all give him a unique perspective needed to tackle the challenges facing rural America,” AFBF said in a statement. “We have the opportunity to work together to address the pressing needs of rural America during the 117th Congress. We must strengthen the farm bill and find a fair solution to the farm labor shortage. We look forward to creating partnerships that build on the strides we’ve made in climate-smart practices. And, it’s essential we finally bridge the digital divide that has kept rural America from accessing the full potential of the nation’s broadband.”
NAMI called Scott a “strong ally” of the industry.
“Congressman Scott’s selection by his peers to lead the House Agriculture Committee is a testament to his longstanding work in food and nutrition policy,” said President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “Congressman Scott has been a strong ally of animal agriculture and we look forward to working with him on the issues with that impact the meat and poultry industry.”
NCC noted Scott’s experience and expertise.
“On behalf of the chicken industry, I want to congratulate Congressman Scott on being named the next Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, a historic achievement as the first African-American and first Georgia House member to ever hold the position,” said NCC President Mike Brown. “As a veteran of the committee, and a longtime member of the Congressional Chicken Caucus, he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of agricultural issues to the chairmanship. We look forward to working with him in the 117th Congress on matters of importance to our industry.”
