Former Georgia Governor Nominated as Secretary of Agriculture

Credit Brenna Beech / WABE

See responses below from a number of national forestry organizations concerning President Trump's announcement that he will tap former Georgia Governor, Sonny Perdue, to head the Department of Agriculture. It appears most are pleased with this announcement. 

SAF CEO Matt Menashes stated:

"SAF welcomes the nomination of former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue to be the nation's next Secretary of Agriculture. As Georgia's governor, he recognized the critical importance of managing and sustaining forests as one of Georgia's precious natural resources, and consistently championed policies that promoted and supported stewardship and benefited rural communities. SAF's diverse membership of foresters and other natural resources professionals looks forward to working with Perdue and landowners to manage and protect these important private and public forests."

The American Forest Foundation

"As a landowner and avid sportsman, he knows the importance of America's forests, both public and privately owned, and understands the rural landowners and communities that work so hard to manage and protect these lands. As governor, he had an incredible track record of supporting policies at the state level, that helped landowners large and small to be responsible stewards of the land."

The National Association of State Foresters

"Trees and forests are America's fundamental infrastructure, offering real solutions to the nation's economic and environmental challenges. By focusing on national priorities outlined in every state's Forest Action Plan, together with Secretary Perdue we will continue to efficiently conserve, protect and enhance America's 'green infrastructure'".

Perdue was governor of Georgia from 2003 to 2011. He grew up on a farm in Perry, Georgia, served as a captain in the US Air Force, and later earned a doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Georgia. He's the first cousin of Sen. David Perdue (R-GA), a member of the Agriculture Committee, which is tasked with overseeing his confirmation.

Confirmation hearings have not been scheduled yet but will likely begin soon.