Torres Small Joins House Agriculture Committee

February 27, 2020
Press Release
Torres Small follows through on promise to bring rural values to D.C.

Washington, D.C. ­– Today, Congresswoman Xochitl Torres Small (NM-02) announced her appointment to the House Agriculture Committee:

“I came to Congress to fight for New Mexican values and protect our rural way of life.  I am proud to report that I will be continuing that fight as the newest Member of the House Agriculture Committee.  With over 10,000 farms and $1.6 billion in agriculture revenue, New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional district is the agricultural engine of our state.  Over the past year I’ve had the privilege to meet with farmers, ranchers, dairy producers, and all who work with them to discuss our shared challenges and opportunities, and I am ready to champion their priorities on the Agriculture Committee,” said Torres Small.

Torres Small announced her intention to fill the Committee vacancy during a visit to New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES).  On February 20, 2020, Torres Small hosted a brief press conference with representatives of New Mexico’s thriving agriculture industry to highlight the industry’s importance to the future of the Second Congressional District. Torres Small was joined by:

  • Secretary Jeff Witte, New Mexico Department of Agriculture
  • Tiffany Rivera, New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau
  • Shacey Sullivan, New Mexico Farm Credit & co-chair of Women in Agriculture Leadership Conference
  • Greg Daviet, owner of Dixie Ranch Pecan Farm

In addition to support from local stakeholders, Torres Small received broad support within the Democratic Caucus—including from many Congressional Hispanic Caucus members, Blue Dogs, and New Democrats coalitions. Congresswoman Torres Small’s appointment to the House Agriculture Committee is effective immediately, in addition to her continued service on the House Homeland Security and the House Armed Services Committees.

 ###

 

Congresswoman Xochitl Torres Small (NM-02) represents New Mexico’s Second Congressional District, which covers central and southern New Mexico. New Mexico’s Second Congressional District has a thriving agriculture industry, with nearly 10,000 farms and $1.6 billion in agricultural revenue. It is a top-ten dairy producing district as well as one of the largest producers of nuts (particularly pecans and pistachios) in the country.  It is also home to wide range of crops, including cotton, hay, and world famous chile. Torres Small has touted the Second Congressional District as the “the agricultural engine for the state,” comprising about two-thirds of the state’s agricultural sales.

Issues: 
Congress