Former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue has been nominated for Secretary of Agriculture by President-elect Donald Trump. Farm groups including the American Farm Bureau Federation are strongly endorsing Perdue to head USDA. AFBF Vice President and South Dakota Farm Bureau President Scott VanderWal says Perdue has a strong background and commitment to the business of agriculture. He was a founding partner for a grain merchandising company with elevators in Georgia and South Carolina. he understands issues such as immigration reform and trade.

In 2011, Perdue formed a trading company focusing on exports, so VanderWal says he also knows how important trade and trade agreements are to agriculture. That leaves them hopeful that as Ag Secretary he will help avoid trade wars with export partners like Canada, Mexico and China.

VanderWal says the Ag Secretary nominee also realizes the impact regulations have on a farmer’s bottom line and will be a leader in reform.

VanderWal says they expect easy and swift confirmation of Perdue by the Senate.