Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture

The Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture is a specialized panel within the House Committee on Agriculture, which has broad jurisdiction over agriculture, food, rural development, and forestry. This subcommittee focuses on a narrower slice of the parent committee's work: nutrition policy, foreign agricultural assistance and trade, and horticulture. It handles policies related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), domestic commodity distribution, consumer nutrition initiatives, foreign agricultural assistance programs, international agricultural trade, and horticultural products including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and organic agriculture. The subcommittee's jurisdiction was significantly expanded in the 118th Congress to encompass foreign agriculture and international trade alongside its traditional nutrition focus.

The subcommittee is chaired by Republican Brad Finstad of Minnesota, with Democrat Jahana Hayes of Connecticut serving as Ranking Member. The panel has 19 total members, with 11 Republicans and 8 Democrats. As a subcommittee, it holds initial hearings and reviews legislation within its policy areas, preparing the groundwork for consideration by the full Agriculture Committee. The subcommittee plays an important role in addressing both domestic food security and international agricultural policy, helping Congress balance the needs of American farmers, food assistance recipients, and international trade relationships.