WASHINGTON- The Democratic Steering and Policy Committee announced Thursday the placement of Rep. Xochitl Torres Small of New Mexico to the House Agriculture Committee.

 “I am pleased to welcome Rep. Torres Small to the Agriculture Committee. She knows rural issues firsthand, and we are lucky to have her perspective and experience,” said Chairman Collin Peterson. “Coming from a rural, border district, Rep. Torres Small has unique insight into what our farmers and ranchers are facing when it comes to trade, rural broadband and other ag related issues.”

“I came to Congress to fight for New Mexican values and protect our rural way of life.  I am honored to be able to continue that fight alongside Chairman Peterson, and the entire House Agriculture Committee, as its newest Member.  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 those priorities on the Agriculture Committee,” said Torres Small.

Rep. Torres Small is the proud granddaughter of migrant farm workers and a former attorney specializing in water and natural resources. She now represents New Mexico’s Second Congressional District which covers central and southern New Mexico and home to 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. Torres Small’s district 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.