Created in 1820, the United States House Committee on Agriculture brought "agricultural issues to the forefront of congressional attention." The Committee sets federal agricultural policy and provides funding for research and development. Thanks to the Organic Act of 1862, President Abraham Lincoln selected Isaac Newton as the first Commissioner of Agriculture for the newly created Department of Agriculture. From land grants to farm bills, the Agriculture Committee has benefited the country in so many ways, and it's now time to celebrate their 200th anniversary.
Land Grants & Research
Major components of the Agriculture Committee were the research and developments made possible. In October of 1862, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published its first research publication, Report on the Chemical Analysis of Grapes. Also, an incredible discovery held in a USDA lab was the technique for increasing penicillin production. As of 1953, the research agency for USDA is the Agricultural Research Service. The Committee even played a big role in supporting and funding eradication research for animal diseases and pests. There is now a National Agricultural Library that holds collections for agriculture and its sciences. Find these publications on the 5th floor of the OSU Library. Tools for finding research and publications, include PubAg and the NAL Digital Collections. For statistics and data use Ag Data Commons, National Agriculture Statistics Service, and the Census of Agriculture.
Farm Bills & Food Safety
In 1906, the Pure Food & Drug Act was passed by Congress to investigate and research human consumption safety, food, and drink fraud. Prior to this Act, there had been revelations about unsanitary practices in drug and meat productions. With food safety being a priority. the Food Research Laboratory was created to continue the safe practices in production. In 1930, Dr. Hazel K. Stiebeling advocated for a section to work on meal and dietary guidance. The House Committee on Agriculture supported her, allowing her to continue researching on nutrition.
The first United States Farm Bill, the Agricultural Adjustment Act, passed in 1933. They are renewable every four to five years. It continues regular review of food and agriculture issues. Due to ongoing economic and farm crises, the Committee sponsored a new farm bill that "expanded food stamps and nutrition programs." These bills have continued to provide support in food assistance and nutrition.
Disaster Assistance & The Soil Conservation Service
During the 1930's, the Great Plains region was devastated by the Dust Bowl. It lead to crop failures, erosion, home loss, and even death. The Soil Conservation Service, now known as the Natural Resources Conservation Service, was created to provide assistance to farmers that were affected by the erosion. In 1988, the Disaster Assistance Act was signed by President Reagan. He stated that "Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle worked together on this legislation in the understanding that the need to help our farmers rose far above any partisan politics." It was made in response to the intense drought that hit the same area hurt by the Dust Bowl and created programs that would help farmers and ranchers in these situations.
Future of the Agriculture Committee
In 2018, the Agriculture Improvement Act passed to continue support for multiple programs, including nutrition, conservation, and organic research. With growing technology, the farming industry has evolved into using all types of technology including GPS to read soil and moisture and other monitors and to help them with fertilizer application methods. With all that is already going on in the industry, it's only a preview of what all will come in the future.
Other Resources
Being one of the 5 national libraries, the NAL holds the largest collections about agriculture.
A collaboration between the National Agriculture Library, the National Agricultural Law Center, and the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems, the partnership supports the spread of agriculture and food law information to the public.
Created by the Agriculture Law Information Partnership, this timeline was created to show key events, members, and history on the Committee in its 200 years.
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