Agricultural News
The Forecast for USDA Looks Sonny- Former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue Named by Donald Trump to be His USDA Secretary
Wed, 18 Jan 2017 21:30:53
The next US Secretary of Agriculture will be Sonny Perdue III, former Governor of Georgia. While the official news release likely will not be released until early Thursday morning, multiple sources are saying he will be the nominee. Perdue's name had been mentioned early on- but apparently there were a lot of political ideas floated within the Trump Transition Team as this was a Cabinet level position that might a good one to offer to a female and/or someone with a Hispanic pedigree.
As the date nears for Donald Trump to take over the Oval Office- leaders in the agricultural arena have expressed frustration that USDA has become literally the last cabinet position to be filled. With the word that President Elect will advance the name of Sonny Perdue as USDA Secretary, several agricultural groups are gushing with praise for the former Georgia Governor.
One of the ag leaders most enthusiastic about Perdue is Zippy Duvall of American Farm Bureau, who has actually worked with Governor Perdue when both were on the ground in Georgia. Duvall writes in a statement released on Wednesday evening: "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."
Also weighing in Governor Perdue is the American Soybean Association 's Ron Moore, who writes "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."
And the National Cattlemen's Beef Association's National President Tracy Brunner of Kansas is high on this nominee to lead the EPA: "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."
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