Trump Nominates Sonny Perdue for USDA Sectretary....

Sasse Statement on Secretary of Agriculture Nominee

U.S. Senator Ben Sasse issued the following statement regarding the news that President-elect Donald Trump will nominate former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue to be Agriculture Secretary.

“I look forward to sitting down with Governor Perdue and talking about the unique challenges and opportunities facing Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers. We have a lot to discuss: trade, regulatory burdens, and the unique interests of Midwest agriculture. Nebraskans feed the world and our Agriculture Secretary needs to understand what we bring to the table.”



Statement by Steve Nelson, President, NE Farm Bureau, Regarding Nomination of Sonny Perdue as Secretary of Agriculture

"We welcome the nomination of Sonny Perdue as the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. We have great confidence that Sonny can and will be a strong voice for America’s farmers and ranchers.”

“Today, the individual who leads USDA must be more than just an advocate, but also an ambassador for American agriculture. We believe Sonny can fulfill that role. We look forward to working with him and the USDA under his leadership.”



Soy Growers Welcome Perdue as Nominee to Lead USDA

American Soybean Association President and Illinois soybean farmer Ron Moore welcomed the forthcoming announcement of former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue as the nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the administration of President Donald Trump in a statement late Wednesday.

“Congratulations to Governor Perdue. USDA touches the lives of every American, and it is among the most crucial government functions for farmers across the United States. For soybean farmers, USDA serves us in so many ways. From working to implement a viable risk management framework to helping expand our markets overseas, to investing in agricultural research here at home, these are critical elements of the farm economy, and we look forward to working alongside USDA under Secretary Perdue to ensure that the department continues to serve American soybean farmers in the most effective manner possible.”



Cattlemen Support Nomination of Gov. Perdue to Lead U.S. Department of Agriculture

Tracy Brunner, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, today released the following statement in support of President-elect Trump’s nomination of former Gov. Sonny Perdue to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture:

“Governor Perdue’s an excellent pick to head the Agriculture Department. As a lifelong agri-businessman and veterinarian, as well as the two-term governor of a state where agriculture’s the largest industry, Gov. Perdue has a unique and expert understanding of both the business and scientific sides of agriculture. In a time of increasing regulations and a growing governmental footprint, we have no doubt that Gov. Perdue will step in and stand up for rural America so that we can continue to do what we do best – provide the safest and most abundant food supply in the world.”

In addition, Kyle Gillooly, a seedstock cattle farmer in Wadley, Ga., and president of the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, released the following statement:

“The Georgia Cattlemen's Association is excited to hear the selection of Gov. Sonny Perdue to lead the USDA. Governor Perdue has always been a strong supporter of agriculture. His background in agribusiness and as a veterinarian will bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world common sense to a department that is vitally important to the success of our nation. As a graduate of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, he understands the issues we face in the livestock industry and he is a true believer in the land grant university system, their mission, and how they impact the cattle industry across the nation. His experience leading the State of Georgia, with its large agriculture heritage, will be invaluable to the Trump Administration.”



NPPC Backs Perdue For Agriculture Secretary

Saving the best for last, President-elect Donald Trump has decided to tap former Georgia Gov. George “Sonny” Perdue as his secretary of agriculture. The National Pork Producers Council hailed the pick – the final Trump cabinet post to be filled – as “very good for America’s farmers and ranchers.”

Perdue, who is a veterinarian, was governor of Georgia from 2003 to 2011. Prior to that, he served in the Georgia Senate for 10 years. A part of Trump’s agricultural advisory team, Perdue grew up on a row crop farm in central Georgia and owned agricultural businesses.

“Well, we don’t have a lot of pork production down in Georgia,” said NPPC President John Weber, a pork producer from Dysart, Iowa. “but Sonny Perdue is from a farm family and he’s a veterinarian. As head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, he’ll be very good for America’s farmers and ranchers.

“You know, the last guy we had at the head of USDA was from the No. 1 corn, egg and pork producing state in the nation, and that didn’t do us much good,” he added.

In his two terms as governor, Perdue presided over the state’s top-ranked agricultural economy. Georgia is perennially ranked in the top two for producing cotton, eggs, peanuts and poultry and near the top in the production of fruits, including blueberries, cantaloupes, peaches and watermelon. Other top crops include cabbage, sweet corn, onions, bell peppers and tomatoes.

“NPPC believes Sonny Perdue will make a great secretary,” Weber said. “He knows farming, he knows exports are vital to U.S. agriculture and he knows you need to run USDA like a business, not like the bureaucracy it’s been for the past eight years. We strongly support him, and we urge the Senate to confirm him as the 31st secretary of agriculture.”




NGFA commends Trump for 'outstanding' choice of Sonny Perdue as next secretary of agriculture

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) today commended President-elect Donald J. Trump on his "outstanding" choice of former two-term Georgia Gov. George E. (Sonny) Perdue III to serve as the 31st secretary of agriculture.

As the owner of three agribusiness and transportation firms serving farmers across the Southeast, Perdue had served as a member of the NGFA's Board of Directors from 2014 until his nomination. He previously served on the NGFA's Country Elevator Committee in the late 1980s before successfully winning election to the Georgia state Senate in 1991, where he served until 2001. He won election as Georgia's governor in 2003 - the first Republican to do so in 135 years - and was reelected to a second term in 2006 with 58 percent of the vote.

"Gov. Perdue is an accomplished, innovative, problem-solving and proven public servant, and is an excellent choice to serve as secretary of agriculture," said NGFA President Randy Gordon. "He has strong rural roots, having grown up on a row-crop and dairy farm, and is a person of impeccable character, trustworthiness and integrity who is an energetic, passionate and tireless advocate for U.S. agriculture and for America. Gov. Perdue also is a very open and receptive person who seeks out and listens to advice. He also possesses the business acumen, experience, common sense and sound policy-making background that will serve him extremely well as a member of the president's cabinet."

Gordon also stressed Perdue's belief in and commitment to agricultural trade, and its importance to U.S. economic growth, job creation and the vitality of rural communities. During his two terms as Georgia governor, Perdue promoted the state and its products to 25 countries, while making significant investments in the state's port infrastructure, leading to record levels of exports of Georgia products. As leader of his agribusiness enterprises, Perdue also has traded agricultural commodities in domestic and export markets.

"We believe Gov. Perdue will be a proactive advocate for U.S. agriculture in expanding mutually beneficial trade that is so essential to the future economic well-being of U.S. farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses in all regions of the country, given the fact that 95 percent of consumers live outside our borders," Gordon said.

The NGFA also noted that Perdue is a fierce advocate of regulatory reform, and brought those talents to the Georgia statehouse while serving as governor. "There's no question he will bring that same zeal to roll back regulatory excesses within the federal government that have undermined the competitiveness and efficiency of America's farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses," Gordon said.

The NGFA said it looked forward to the Senate Agriculture Committee conducting confirmation hearings on Perdue's nomination as soon as practicable, given the importance of having strong leadership at the helm of USDA, and to working with the new secretary agriculture once he is confirmed.



NMPF Statement on Announcement of Agriculture Secretary Nominee Gov. Sonny Perdue
From Jim Mulhern, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation:

“America’s dairy farmers are looking forward to working with Secretary of Agriculture-designate Sonny Perdue, whose role as the chief advocate for farmers and rural America is absolutely crucial in the new Trump Administration, especially when milk prices have been in a prolonged slump.

Former Gov. Perdue is well-qualified to run the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a result of his eight years of executive experience as Georgia’s governor, and his career as a state legislator and small businessman.  His educational training as a veterinarian also gives him unique insights into the important issues facing America’s livestock producers in the areas of animal health, food safety and the environment.

Dairy producers, like most other farmers and ranchers across America, have experienced significant economic challenges for more than a year. Starting right away in 2017, NMPF will seek to collaborate with Secretary Perdue on ways to strengthen the safety net for dairy farmers, relieve regulatory burdens and enhance opportunities to keep and grow markets abroad for our dairy exports.

In particular, we will continue to advise the Agriculture Department on efforts to improve the dairy Margin Protection Program to best benefit America’s dairy producers. We will also continue our dialogue with USDA and others in the Trump Administration on the importance of enforcing previous trade agreements, as well as pursuing future well-negotiated trade agreements that bolster our ability to serve consumers in foreign markets.

We’re excited to work with Gov. Perdue on these challenges and opportunities in the days ahead.”



NCGA Welcomes Governor Perdue to Lead USDA

National Corn Growers Association President and Texas farmer Wesley Spurlock today congratulated former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue on his nomination to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“The National Corn Growers Association congratulates Governor Perdue on his nomination to lead USDA. We look forward to his confirmation hearing, and learning more about his positions on issues important to corn farmers and the entire agriculture industry.

“Agriculture is the backbone of rural America, and we need strong leadership within USDA to keep moving the industry forward through difficult economic times. That means protecting risk management programs, continuing to grow the renewable fuels industry, expanding foreign markets and increasing demand for U.S. agricultural products throughout the world.

We stand ready to work with President-Elect Trump and the new USDA leadership to move agriculture and our country forward.”



 NFU Statement on Sonny Perdue’s Selection to Agriculture Secretary

President-elect Donald Trump has selected former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue to be the U.S. Agriculture Secretary in the incoming Trump administration. National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson released the following statement in response to today’s announcement:

“Given the challenging state of the farm economy, more than ever, family farmers and ranchers need a champion in Washington. I am hopeful we will find that champion in Sonny Perdue.

“USDA is more than agriculture’s agency; it is America’s agency. We look forward to working with Mr. Perdue and the new administration to create and defend a strong farm safety net and provide meaningful farm policy solutions for producers, particularly dairy farmers and cotton growers, in the next Farm Bill. We will also ask that USDA take a proactive approach to building opportunities for rural America, increase support for conservation as a way to manage risk on the farm, and expand market opportunities for all types of agriculture production.”



Regarding Sonny Perdue as Secretary of Agriculture
Joel G. Newman, President and CEO, American Feed Industry Association

"The American Feed Industry Association is pleased with President-elect Donald Trump's latest, and final, cabinet selection--former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue as secretary of agriculture. AFIA works with USDA on a broad slate of issues such as trade and implementation of the farm bill. We believe Gov. Perdue's political and agriculture-related background make him a sound fit for the role.

"Gov. Perdue holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine, and following his service as a captain in the U.S. Air Force, he became a successful small business owner, concentrating in agribusiness and transportation.

"We look forward to working closely with the new agriculture secretary, assisting him and his staff on animal food-related topics, and how our industry relates to other agriculture sectors and to consumers. This will be particularly important as Congress, the administration and industry come together to draft and enact the new farm bill."



Peterson Statement on Perdue Nomination to Lead USDA

House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson today made the following statement on the announcement that Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue will be nominated to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“Agriculture and rural America play such an important role in our economy. With the appointment of Perdue, who has a background in agriculture, I am hopeful we will get a better sense of the incoming administration's policy plans for rural America. There is a lot of work ahead of us including reauthorizing the farm bill, maintaining the RFS and rolling back some of the regulations that are negatively impacting farmers. I look forward to sharing the concerns of Midwestern farmers with Perdue and getting to work.”



Rep. Bacon Statement on Secretary of Agriculture Nominee Sonny Perdue

U.S. Representative Don Bacon (NE-02) released the following statement regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):

“The Secretary of Agriculture serves as an important voice for rural Americans.  As a new member of the Agriculture Committee, I look forward to working constructively with Governor Perdue to help convey to the President the vital role the Farm Bill plays in maintaining and improving a meaningful safety net for American agriculture that reflects the needs of producers in our state.  As a practicing veterinarian and advocate for Georgia farmers and ranchers, his many years of leadership in the agribusiness sector give him a strong grasp of the challenges and opportunities faced by rural Americans.  Nebraska’s agriculture community is one of the most vibrant in the nation and a leader in global exports.  I look forward to working with Governor Perdue to advance the priorities for family farming and value-added agriculture in Nebraska.”



CropLife America Supports Perdue as Ag Secretary Pick

President-elect Donald J. Trump announced former Georgia Governor George “Sonny” Perdue as his long-awaited pick for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary. A statement released by the incoming administration spoke to Perdue’s background as the governor of a big agriculture state and experience growing up on a farm.

“CropLife America (CLA) is looking forward to working with Governor Perdue as USDA Secretary,” stated Jay Vroom, president and CEO of CLA. “USDA is sure to benefit from his proven leadership and experience in managing a large government entity. His background as a veterinarian and direct connection to the farming community will help to enhance the relationship between the department and those on the ground in modern agriculture in every state who seek to make their voices heard.”

The announcement came after several months of vetting potential candidates. CLA’s Rebeckah Adcock has been a member of Trump’s campaign agricultural advisory committee, established during the election. “It’s wonderful to see Sonny Perdue acknowledged for his farming experience and understanding of rural America. Because of his background and involvement with the advisory committee, he was always a frontrunner and we are very pleased to support him,” said Adcock. The committee continues to advise the transition team on matters concerning agriculture. 



National Grange President Betsy Huber commented on the announcement made by the Trump administration that Georgia Gov. Sonny Purdue has been tapped to be the next Secretary of Agriculture

“It is a pleasure to welcome Gov. Sonny Perdue of Georgia to Washington D.C. as the incoming Secretary of Agriculture.

“The National Grange, America’s oldest general farm and rural public interest organization, is largely credited with the successful push to make the highest-ranking U.S. official for Agriculture a cabinet-level position in the late 1800s. We are pleased to see the respect the incoming administration and transition team has given the seat, which greatly impacts many aspects of rural life.

“Mr. Perdue is certainly well qualified to head up the United States Department of Agriculture, from his roots growing up on a rural crop and dairy farm to his education as a veterinarian and ownership of small agribusinesses, Purdue has a personal perspective of agriculture and rural matters. The Governor understands the plight of agriculture, the challenges facing rural America, and the business acumen required to oversee our nation’s massive food and agriculture policy system.  We look forward to working with future Secretary Perdue on agriculture, food, land, water, rural healthcare, rural broadband, conservation and other issues affecting rural and small town America.”



NAWG Applauds Selection of Ag Secretary Nominee

Today, President-elect Donald Trump announced his choice to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture, former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue.  Agriculture is a top industry in the state of Georgia, and Governor brings with him a significant pedigree that will enable him to be an effective voice for farmers in the incoming Administration. 

“I applaud President-elect Trump for selecting an Agriculture Secretary nominee that’s a former governor and has extensive experience in agriculture,” said NAWG President Gordon Stoner.  “He grew up on a row crop farm, has had great success in agribusiness, and his been a champion for farmers in developing public policy.  With USDA as one of the largest federal departments, covering mission areas ranging from farm programs to nutrition assistance to rural development, the announcement of Governor Perdue is welcome news to America’s wheat farmers.”

In the coming weeks, the Senate Agriculture Committee is expected to hold a confirmation hearing before full Senate consideration.  NAWG looks forward to discussing with Governor Perdue the difficult economic conditions in wheat country, as well as to engage other USDA nominees as they are put forth.



Growth Energy Congratulates Sonny Perdue on Secretary of Agriculture Nomination

President-elect Donald Trump will nominate former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as Secretary of Agriculture. In response to this news, Growth Energy CEO, Emily Skor issued the following statement:

“We congratulate Governor Perdue on his nomination to be the next Secretary of Agriculture. We are confident that each of President-elect Trump’s cabinet picks are fully aware of his vocal support of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and the ethanol industry.

“Growth Energy is ready to work with Governor Perdue to promote biofuel production and to protect the economic vibrancy of rural America. The ethanol industry provides more than 400,000 jobs across America’s heartland, while ethanol and its byproduct, Dried Distiller’s Grain (DDGS), are vital international commodities for U.S. agriculture.

“We look forward to working with Governor Perdue to protect the growth of American agriculture and economic welfare of American farmers, all while providing consumers access to higher performing, more economical, American-made options at the gas pump.”