The United Fresh Produce Association has praised the action of the US Senate as it confirmed the nomination of former Georgia governor Sonny Perdue to be the next secretary of agriculture, by a vote of 87-11.
“United Fresh congratulates secretary Perdue on his confirmation today by the full Senate,' said senior vice-president for public policy Robert Guenther. 'US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been without a leader for far too long, and this confirmation will allow forward progress on issues impacting our industry.
'Secretary Perdue will play a critical role working on issues important to the fresh fruit and vegetable industry including the 2018 Farm Bill debate, immigration reform, research, trade, and nutrition,' Guenther noted. 'As governor of Georgia, Sonny Perdue was a great friend to the fresh fruit and vegetable industry and we look forward to working with him once again to ensure all Americans have access to healthy, nutritious foods.”
In addition, United Fresh board member Bill Brim of Lewis Taylor Farms of Tipton, Georgia stated: “I’ve known and worked with Sonny Perdue for many years and I know what a dedicated public servant he is. I also know that he really understands and appreciates the value of the fresh produce industry to this country.
'I’m confident that he’ll do everything he can to work with United Fresh and all of our industry to help us meet the many challenges and opportunities we have before us,' Brim added. 'His confirmation as secretary of agriculture is a great development for the entire fresh fruit and vegetable production chain.”
