Food Industry Hails Trump’s Appointment for USDA Secretary

Virginia Farm Bureau Federation President Wayne F. Pryor added that “someone who understands rural America and the farming way of life will be an asset to the Cabinet”. Perdue also is a very open and receptive person who seeks out and listens to advice.

The head of Western Growers, whose members provide around half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, welcomed the news, saying Perdue was a “consummate champion for agriculture”. He served in the Georgia State Senate for 11 years and was Georgia Governor from 2003-11.

Perdue told The New York Times that Trump had quizzed him about what he would do regarding unfair trade deals, saying he thought USA citizens “had been sort of patsies” on those issues. Trained as a veterinarian, Perdue also served in the Air Force before starting a business focused on “agribusiness and transportation”, according to a press release from Trump’s transition team.

He was a Georgia State Senator for 11 years, and left in 2001 to start his campaign for governor.

Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse said he looks forward to speaking with Perdue about the unique interests of Midwest agriculture.

The Washington Post’s Chris Mooney and John Wagner led their report about Perdue by noting that he “drew national headlines for holding a public vigil to pray for rain in 2007 amidst a crippling drought”.

“I hope this administration will work with us to give farmers a greater say when it comes to policies impacting the industry and make it easier for families to maintain their farms and businesses to grow and create jobs”, Davis said.

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal tweeted his congratulations immediately after word of Perdue’s nomination was announced Wednesday evening. However, America’s farmers and ranchers are facing hard times under current farm conditions, and they deserve a Secretary who will work diligently to turn those tides.

Duvall: He recognized it was the number one industry in our state.

House Agriculture Committee ranking member Collin Peterson, D-MN, said: “Agriculture and rural America play such an important role in our economy”.

The work of the USDA is critical to the US remaining an “agriculture juggernaut”.

“From the perspective of the agriculture sector in Montana Governor Perdue is certainly a reasonable choice compared to perhaps the other nominees that were under consideration this nominate may appeal to Montana agriculturalists”, said Vincent Smith.