WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry, today released the following statement after meeting with former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue, President Trump’s nominee for Agriculture Secretary to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):
"Governor Perdue and I met and had a productive conversation about his priorities and vision for the Department of Agriculture," said Senator Stabenow. "As Michigan’s second-largest industry, I made it clear that agriculture must be a key priority for this administration. The next Agriculture Secretary should be a champion for our farmers and ranchers, while also balancing all of the Department’s important missions – from conducting groundbreaking scientific research and protecting our Great Lakes and public lands, to ensuring access to nutritious food and growing economic opportunities in small towns and rural communities. As the Committee process continues, I look forward to learning more about Governor Perdue and his goals for USDA, and having a confirmation hearing after the Committee receives the required documents.”