With the nomination of Sunny Perdue for agriculture secretary, several agriculture organizations are showing their support for the former Georgia governor.
President-elect Donald Trump said in a statement that Perdue would “accomplish great things” at the Department of Agriculture.” He said, “From growing up on a farm to being governor of a big agriculture state, he has spent his whole life understanding and solving the challenges our farmers face, and he is going to deliver big results for all Americans who earn their living off the land.”
Perdue is a graduate of the University of Georgia and served as a state senator before being elected governor of Georgia in 2003. He left office in 2011 and started a trading company based in Atlanta. He’s known as a strong businessman with a keen understanding as agriculture.
With reports of Perdue’s nomination hitting the internet, agriculture groups are sending out news releases to show their support.
From the National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Jim Mulhern:
“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.”
From the National Corn Grower’s Association:
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.”
From the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association:
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.”
From Farm Credit:
Todd Van Hoose, CEO of the Farm Credit Council, made the following made the following statement on President-elect Donald Trump’s reported nomination of former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue as Secretary of Agriculture:
“Rural Americans played a critical role in the election. Governor Perdue has a long history of personal involvement in agriculture. He knows the challenges facing our nation’s farmers and rural families. USDA and Farm Credit share a common mission to support rural communities and agriculture and we look forward to working with Governor Perdue to fulfill that mission.” said Van Hoose. “2017 is the Farm Credit System’s 101st year of providing reliable, consistent credit and financial services in rural America. We’re excited to help policymakers understand the integral role farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses play in our economy and the unique infrastructure needs of rural communities.”?
Farm Credit supports rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services, today and tomorrow. It has been fulfilling its mission of helping rural America grow and thrive for more than a century with the capital necessary to make businesses successful and by financing vital infrastructure and communication services. For more information visit www.farmcredit.com.
From the American Farm Bureau Federation:
The following statement may be attributed to Zippy Duvall, President, American Farm Bureau Federation:
“The nomination of former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue for Secretary of Agriculture is welcome news to the nation’s farmers and ranchers. Gov. Perdue will provide the strong voice that agriculture needs in the new administration. He is an outstanding nominee.
“I have known Gov. Perdue for years. I’ve seen firsthand his commitment to the business of agriculture as we worked together on issues facing farmers and ranchers in our home state of Georgia. He understands the challenges facing rural America because that’s where he was born and raised. He is a businessman who recognizes the impact immigration reform, trade agreements and regulation have on a farmer’s bottom line and ability to stay in business from one season to the next.
“The American Farm Bureau looks forward to continuing our work with USDA under Gov. Perdue’s leadership. When farmers and ranchers are free to access cutting-edge technologies, reach new markets and make decisions that protect their businesses and resources, we all are better off.”