Perdue Selected To Lead USDA

Donald Trump has picked Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue to lead the Agriculture Department.  The selection, which is expected to be formally announced on Thursday, ends a months-long drama surrounding the last position in Trump's Cabinet to be named.

Perdue, whose name was one of the first to surface as a possible pick for the USDA post, following his trip to Trump Tower in late November, seems to satisfy the agriculture industry's request for someone with farming experience. Perdue grew up on a row crop farm in central Georgia and is an original member of Trump's Agricultural Advisory Committee that launched in August.

“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, American Farm Bureau Federation. “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."

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com