Sonny Perdue: America’s Newest Agriculture Secretary
In May the United States Agriculture Secretary, Sonny Perdue, visited a cattle farm in Nevada, IA where he held his first major policy speech. Perdue praised Iowans for their hospitality and promised to create and improve trade relations between the United States and China. Perdue was voted in as the 31st Agriculture Secretary in April by the senate. If you’re a member of the agriculture community this is a politician you’ll want to familiarize yourself with.
Background
Sonny Perdue was born in Bonaire, Georgia to a school teacher and farmer. He experienced agriculture first hand growing up. Perdue served in the Air Force and earned a degree in Veterinary Science. He practiced as a veterinarian in North Carolina, then returned home to start an agribusiness that sold fertilizer and seed to farmers, and bought their production to resell. In 1990, Perdue was elected to the Georgia Senate as a representative for a small-town district. Soon, he became more involved in his government position. This led to a run and election for Georgia’s governor in 2002 and re-election in 2006. Sonny became a managing member for AGrowstar in 2002, a grain purchasing and storage company in Georgia and South Carolina. President Donald Trump elected Perdue in January to become the next United States Agriculture Secretary.
Perdue’s Principles
In his welcoming address to the staff of the United State Department of Agriculture he listed 4 principles that he wants the USDA to follow.
First, he wants to maximize the abilities of our men and women in America’s agricultural and agribusiness areas. Creating jobs and removing obstacles is a goal he has for his time in office. In his speech, he addressed farmers around the country “They’re down there doing the tough jobs. Our hearts need to be with them because they’re the ones that give us our jobs and need us to be working for them day in and day out” [2].
His second principle, is to improve customer service for American taxpayers and consumers. Business will be efficient, effective, and created with integrity.
The third principle is to ensure the food that is being placed on American tables will be set there with strict safety regulations.
Lastly, Perdue’s father once stated, “We’re all stewards of the land, owned or rented, and our responsibility is to leave it better than we found it” [1]. He sees the need and importance to preserve our land and wants to continue helping American agriculture.
Hard work
Not only will Perdue improve agriculture inside of the United States but he will become an advocate for international trade and markets. We, as Americans, are fortunate to produce more than we can consume, which allows us to share our produce with the world. Creating relationships between the USDA and other countries trade representatives is a goal that Perdue looks to achieve.
Perdue is the third Agriculture Secretary that has worked in the industry as an adult. His work ethic is easily noticed. During his address to the USDA staff Perdue stated that their “continued passion for serving people is really what it’s all about” [2]. Benefiting each person in America and being efficient is a goal Perdue has for the USDA.
Sonny Perdue; a hardworking, American farmer, whose best interest is in the American people and agriculturists around the nation. With his guidance and knowledge, we hope to see American agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture flourish and expand to new horizons.
References
- “Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue.” USDA. USDA, Web. 17 May 2017
- “USDA Live.” USDA. USDA, 25 Apr. 2017. Web. 17 May 2017.