Georgia's Sonny Perdue has been chosen by President-Elect Donald Trump to lead the Department of Agriculture. Perdue, who served two terms as the state's Governor, is considered by many to be not only a staunch supporter of rural farmers but also an advocate for our natural resources.

"Governor Perdue is a true sportsman and committed conservationist who prioritized improving the natural resources of Georgia throughout his tenure,” Mike Worley, president and CEO of the Georgia Wildlife Federation, said. “A key part of Governor Perdue’s legacy was improving conservation on private working lands and engaging sportsmen to improve outdoor opportunities across the state. He’s an outstanding wing shot and has always been a friend to hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts."

Perdue's commitment to conservation is evidenced by his continued support of programs such as Georgia Hunters for the Hungry, a long-time program of the Georgia Wildlife Federation with the mission of supplying local food kitchens with venison donated by hunters throughout the state.

Other conservation organizations across the nation, including the National Wildlife Federation, have high expectations for Perdue. 

“Advancing wildlife and natural resource conservation on America’s farms and forests are among the key responsibilities of the Secretary of Agriculture,” Collin O’Mara, president and chief executive officer of the National Wildlife Federation, said. “As a hunter and angler, former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue understands the importance of wildlife conservation and has a record of working with both Republicans and Democrats to advance innovative land conservation programs, improve water quality and water conservation, restore longleaf pine forests, and expand recycling programs."

Congressman Jody Hice (GA-10) joined members of the Georgia Congressional Delegation to applaud President-elect Donald J. Trump’s nomination of Perdue to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“Given his executive experience as a two-term Governor and his background as an agribusiness owner, Sonny Perdue is an outstanding choice to lead the Department of Agriculture,” Hice said. “During his tenure as Governor, he shaped an agricultural policy that helped usher in a new era of economic growth. Agriculture remains the top industry in Georgia, and I look forward to working with Sonny as Secretary of Agriculture to continue supporting our farming communities.”

Other state representatives echoed Hice’s sentiments.

“Former Governor Sonny Perdue is the perfect choice to lead the Department of Agriculture,” U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (GA-01) said. “As the top industry in our state, Georgians know how important agriculture is. As a two-term Governor of Georgia, Sonny has already proven himself to be a strong leader who will fight to ensure the agriculture industry is able to accomplish their important work. The hard work of our farmers, ranchers, and producers is critical to the production of the safest, most abundant and most affordable food supply in the world and I look forward to working with former Governor Perdue to ensure Washington doesn’t stand in their way.”

“Sonny is an excellent choice to be the next Secretary of Agriculture. His experience as a veterinarian combined with his executive experience as a two-term governor make him uniquely qualified to lead the USDA,” U.S. Rep. Drew Ferguson (GA-03) said. “I have personally had the honor of working alongside Governor Perdue to create thousands of new jobs in Georgia. Sonny has always been committed to making sure businesses, and especially agriculture in Georgia, are successful. I look forward to working with him as the Secretary of Agriculture.”

“Georgians are well aware of Governor Perdue’s heart for service, and I have no doubt he will bring that same spirit and commitment to this new role,” U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall (GA-07) said. “Having served as Governor of Georgia, whose number one industry is agriculture, his knowledge and experience in both the public and private sectors make him an excellent choice to lead the Department of Agriculture.  It makes me very proud to see the role Georgia will be playing in moving America forward, and I look forward to partnering with him.”

“America’s will have a great Secretary of Agriculture in Sonny Perdue, and I am confident Sonny will be an excellent representative of our state in his service to our country’s agriculture communities,” U.S. Rep. Austin Scott (GA-08), member of the House Committee on Agriculture and chairman of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy and Credit, said. “Agriculture is Georgia’s leading industry, so we’re glad to have someone who understands our state’s agricultural needs and act as a champion for the needs of our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers in the U.S. Department of Agriculture.”

“Sonny Perdue is an outstanding choice for Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Rep. Doug Collins (GA-09) said. “The experience he brings to that role will be a boon to agricultural communities from coast to coast, including the poultry industry, which is a key part of Georgia’s livelihood.”

“It’s great to see my friend, former Governor Sonny Perdue, selected to serve as our next Agriculture Secretary,” U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) said. “His proven conservative leadership on Georgia’s agricultural interests teamed with his business background makes him an excellent choice to lead this department.”

“From the farm he grew up on in Perry, Georgia to his service in the U.S. Air Force, veterinary and agribusiness career, and later Governor of Georgia, Sonny Perdue makes an excellent and obvious choice for the next Secretary of Agriculture,” U.S. Rep. Rick Allen (GA-12), member of the House Committee on Agriculture, said. “Hailing from a state like Georgia, where agriculture is our number one industry, I am confident in Sonny’s ability to represent the interests of all American agriculture. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I look forward to his leadership and working with him to advance the needs of our farmers and the industry as a whole.”

“Governor Perdue is the perfect choice to lead the Agriculture Department,” U.S. Rep. Tom Graves (GA-14) said. “Between his work as a veterinarian and agribusiness owner to his eight years as governor, he’s walked the fields of Georgia to the halls of the executive office. He has the right combination of experience, and I have no doubt that Sonny will serve the American people well.”

As Secretary of Agriculture, Perdue will face a multitude of conservation challenges such as chronic wasting disease in our deer populations, devastating wildfires in and around our national parks, and threats to water availability and quality. The Georgia Wildlife Federation understands the importance of these critical issues and looks forward to working with him to find responsible, science-based solutions.