Industry groups endorse Perdue for USDA

President-elect Donald Trump is expected to nominate former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue for USDA secretary of agriculture, Bloomberg reports.

The United Fresh Produce Association issued a statement from President and CEO Tom Stenzel regarding the nomination.

“We congratulate Governor Perdue on his selection as the next secretary of agriculture,” Stenzel said. “We have high regards for this past work with our Georgia fruit and vegetable industry, and are confident he will bring a passion and commitment to supporting agriculture, and helping us deliver healthy foods to all Americans.

“We anticipate meeting with Governor Perdue soon, and working with him on critical issues such as securing an adequate workforce through immigration reform and a new guest worker program, bolstering free and fair trade, serving the neediest Americans through federal feeding programs, and more.”

Other industry associations have also released statements regarding the nomination.

Zippy Duvall, president, American Farm Bureau:

“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.”

Tom Nassif, Western Growers president and CEO:

“We support the nomination of former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue as Secretary of Agriculture and congratulate him on gaining the confidence of President-elect Trump. Over the course of Governor Perdue’s career, he has proven to be a consummate champion for agriculture and will undoubtedly serve our industry well in this capacity. We look forward to working with the Governor to develop and implement the public policy priorities of the fresh produce industry.

“While the secretary’s importance to agriculture is obvious, Governor Perdue will assume the role at a particularly vital time as our country reengages in a discussion about the future of our immigration system. Reform is essential to the long-term viability of American agriculture, which is unique among industries that rely on foreign workers in that our labor needs cannot be met by domestic workers. Foreign hands will harvest our crops, either here or abroad. It is our hope that once confirmed, Governor Perdue will be a relentless advocate for immigration reform that works for agriculture and will present our case to the president, other key cabinet members and members of Congress who will be engaged in future negotiations.”