By Brandon Moseley
Thursday, January 19, 2017 President-elect Donald J. Trump (R) nominated former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue (R) to be the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R from Montgomery) applauded President-elect Donald Trump’s selection saying that Perdue is an experienced leader who is very familiar with and dedicated to the interests of farmers.
Congresswoman Roby said, “Governor Perdue is an experienced leader who has represented a wide array of agriculture commodities ranging from peanuts to forestry. He’s been a longtime friend to farmers, and because farming is Alabama’s largest industry, a friend of farmers is a friend of mine.”
U.S. Representative Bradley Byrne (R from Montrose) said, “This decision is great news for Alabama’s farmers! Being from Georgia, I know Governor Perdue is very familiar with our southern commodities, especially considering the fact he was raised on a farm and is a graduate of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Agriculture remains the top industry in Alabama, and I look forward to working with Sonny Perdue to continue supporting our farmers and foresters.”
Rep. Roby said, “It won’t be long until Congress begins crafting a new farm bill, and I’m eager to work with Gov. Perdue to ensure that USDA programs and services adequately address the needs of all farmers and rural communities nationwide. Gov. Perdue was raised on a farm and worked for many years in the agriculture industry. He knows firsthand the importance of agriculture to our economy, and I believe he will use his knowledge and experience to provide some needed relief to farmers. Gov. Perdue’s nomination to lead the Department of Agriculture is encouraging news for our nation’s farming industry, and I’m excited to work with him to get vital results for farmers.”
The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association released a statement saying, “The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association is proud to support the nomination of lifelong agri-businessman, veterinarian and former governor of our neighboring state of Georgia, Gov. Sonny Purdue, as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.”
Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said, “Gov. Perdue understands Southern agriculture and is a long-time friend of farmers. He was raised on a farm and appreciates the importance of agriculture to our health, security and economy.”
President Parnell said, “We look forward to working with Secretary Perdue and his team to ensure USDA programs and services address the needs of farmers of all commodities and all regions of the country. As Congress begins work on a new farm bill, it will be important to have a Secretary of Agriculture who understands the role USDA plays in agriculture, conservation, risk management, nutrition and trade.”
Perdue, age 70, was born in Perry, Georgia and grew up on a farm. He is a veterinarian and was a founding partner in a company that runs a string of grain elevators in Georgia. He served ten years in the Georgia state Senate before running successfully for Governor in 2002. He was re-elected in 2006.
