The House Democrats selected Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) today as ranking member on the House Agriculture Committee for the 119th Congress. In response, several ag groups and representatives issued statements.
Rep. Craig’s roots in Northeast Arkansas, where she was born in West Helena, attended high school in Jonesboro and graduated from the University of Memphis, provide her with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in Southern agriculture. Rep. Craig has been serving in Congress since 2019, and is currently in her fourth term as a U.S. Representative for Minnesota’s 2nd congressional district. Her background ensures she is well-equipped to advocate for policies that support our farmers and rural communities.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall issued the following statement:
“Farm Bureau congratulates Rep. Angie Craig on her nomination to serve as the next ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee. Rep. Craig has a long history of working in a bipartisan manner to advance the needs of America’s farmers and ranchers.
“Her leadership is needed now more than ever, as farmers face economic headwinds including inflation, high supply costs and decreasing commodity prices. Those challenges can quickly become a crisis if they’re not addressed with a new, modernized farm bill. Congress has kicked the can down the road too many times. Now is the time to act. We stand ready to work with Rep. Craig to ensure passage of a new 5-year farm bill and to address other matters important to agriculture and rural America.
“I’d also like to thank Rep. David Scott for his dedication to America’s farmers and ranchers as chairman and then ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee. His more than 20 years of experience on the committee will continue to be invaluable to the success of the hardworking families who ensure America’s pantries remain stocked.”
Kenneth Hartman Jr., president of the National Corn Growers Association, released the following statement:
“We want to congratulate Rep. Craig for securing the role as ranking member on the House Committee on Agriculture for the 119th Congress.
“Rep. Craig has been a close ally of farmers in general and fierce advocate of corn growers in particular. We are thrilled by this development and look forward to working with her in the year ahead as we advance legislation important to our growers.
“We also want to thank Ranking Member David Scott (D-Ga.) for his tireless work on behalf of our issues. He has been a true leader, and we look forward to working with him in the next Congress.”
The National Cotton Council (NCC) congratulates Rep. Angie Craig on her appointment as the Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee. “We are confident that her leadership will bring valuable insights and a strong commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the agricultural community,” said NCC Chairman Joe Nicosia.
The NCC also extends our gratitude to Rep. David Scott for his dedicated service and leadership as the previous Ranking Member. His contributions have been instrumental in advancing the interests of American agriculture, and we look forward to continuing our work with him in his ongoing role on the committee.
Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, also congratulated Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) on her new role as Ranking Member of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture.
“Congresswoman Craig is a champion for rural America and will make an outstanding leader on the House Agriculture Committee. She truly understands the value of biofuels and how critical they are to the continued success of American agriculture,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We congratulate her on this new role and look forward to continuing our work with her to lower emissions, reduce consumer costs, and support our farmers by expanding the use of American biofuels.”
Association of Equipment Manufacturers Senior Vice President Kip Eideberg issued the following statement:
“The Association of Equipment Manufacturers congratulates Congresswoman Angie Craig on her election to serve as the top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee. Rep. Craig’s leadership and dedication to advancing policies that strengthen American agriculture, support rural communities, and promote innovation make her well-suited for this important role.
Equipment manufacturers’ continued success depends on policies that support farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. We are greatly encouraged by Rep. Craig’s track-record of working in a bipartisan manner to advance policy that drives innovation and ensures the long-term growth and success of American agriculture.
We stand ready to work with her to pass a new 5-year farm bill that encourages the adoption of precision agriculture technology, strengthens our global supply chains, and continues to invest in rural America.”
