该杂志发表了有关农业和食品化学和生物化学的研究结果，重点是代表完整研究的原始研究，而不是增量研究。所涵盖的主题包括化学/生物化学成分以及加工对食品、饲料和其他农业产品（包括木材和其他生物基材料、副产品和废物）的成分和安全性的影响。它包括杀虫剂、兽药、植物生长调节剂、化肥和其他农用化学品的化学成分，以及它们的新陈代谢、毒理学和环境命运。此外，JAFC还报道了营养、植物营养、香料和香味的化学过程。
The Journal publishes research results dealing with the chemistry and biochemistry of agriculture and food with a focus on original research representing complete studies, rather than incremental studies. Topics covered include chemical/biochemical composition and the effects of processing on the composition and safety of foods, feeds, and other products from agriculture, including wood and other bio-based materials, byproducts, and wastes. It covers the chemistry of pesticides, veterinary drugs, plant growth regulators, fertilizers, and other agro-chemicals, together with their metabolism, toxicology, and environmental fate. In addition, JAFC reports on the chemical processes involved in nutrition, phytonutrients, flavors, and aromas.