Michigan Farm Bureau : Kudos surround Trump’s Agriculture Secretary pick

Contact: John Kran, 517-679-5336

LANSING - Agriculture organizations across the country are applauding the nomination of former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue as the next secretary of agriculture.

While the American Farm Bureau strongly endorsed Perdue, so did the National Milk Producers Federation, the National Corn Growers Association, and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and the American Feed Industry Association in the initial wave of reaction to Perdue's selection by President-Elect Donald Trump.

'The nomination of former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue for Secretary of Agriculture is welcome news to the nation's farmers and ranchers,' said Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation. '

'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. Gov. Perdue will provide the strong voice that agriculture needs in the new administration. He is an outstanding nominee.'

Perdue, a two-time Georgia governor, is a veterinarian, former Captain in the U.S. Air Force, and a businessman who understands trade, said Michigan Farm Bureau President Carl Bednarski.

'Mr. Perdue was involved in the grain and fertilizer industry much of his career, and a small business owner,' he said. 'And while we don't normally think of Georgia as being much like Michigan, it does have a considerable specialty crop sector, so we hope he understands some of the challenges that face Michigan specialty crop growers.'

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, said Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation.

'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,' he said.

National Corn Growers Association President and Texas farmer Wesley Spurlock also congratulated Perdue.

'We look forward to his confirmation hearing, and learning more about his positions on issues important to corn farmers and the entire agriculture industry,' he said.

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