Last updated on April 26th, 2017 at 10:55 am
Former Georgia Gov. George Ervin “Sonny” Perdue has been confirmed as the new U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
A number of trade groups, including the United Fresh Produce Association, are praising this week’s appointment, which was approved by an 87-11 vote.
Robert Guenther, SVP for public policy at United Fresh, said, “United Fresh congratulates Secretary Perdue on his confirmation today by the full Senate. USDA has been without a leader for far too long, and this confirmation will allow forward progress on issues impacting our industry. Secretary Perdue will play a critical role working on issues important to the fresh fruit and vegetable industry including the 2018 Farm Bill debate, immigration reform, research, trade and nutrition. As governor of Georgia, Sonny Perdue was a great friend to the fresh fruit and vegetable industry, and we look forward to working with him once again to ensure all Americans have access to healthy, nutritious foods.”
United Fresh board member Bill Brim of Lewis Taylor Farms in Tipton, Georgia, added, “I’ve known and worked with Sonny Perdue for many years and I know what a dedicated public servant he is. I also know that he really understands and appreciates the value of the fresh produce industry to this country. I’m confident that he’ll do everything he can to work with United Fresh and all of our industry to help us meet the many challenges and opportunities we have before us; his confirmation as Secretary of Agriculture is a great development for the entire fresh fruit and vegetable production chain.”
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black said, “We are very pleased that the confirmation process is complete and now the real work can begin. We look forward to working with Secretary Perdue as he focuses fully on the issues and concerns currently facing the agricultural community.”
Perdue, born into a farming family in Bonaire, Georgia, served as the 81st governor of Georgia from 2003-11 and served as senator in the Georgia Assembly. In addition to his time as a state legislator, he has been a farmer, agribusinessman and veterinarian.
At the USDA, Perdue will oversee a department of about 100,000 employees and about $140 billion across various programs. He also will have a significant role in the next Farm Bill debate, which will be up for reauthorization in 2018.
Learn more about Perdue’s plans as the Secretary of Agriculture here.
