WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today released the following statement regarding President-Elect Donald Trump's selection of former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue to be his nominee for Secretary of Agriculture:
“The most important quality for the Agriculture Secretary to possess is a solid understanding of the tough economic challenges farmers and ranchers face due to three years of low prices, declining land values, and difficult lending conditions. As we write a new Farm Bill, the Secretary must understand that we are operating in a new landscape. Everyone in farm country is having a hard time. We need a Secretary who can recall the 1980s and will do everything within their power to make sure we do not return to those conditions.
“The Secretary must understand all aspects of the job. A strong understanding of agriculture, rural development, natural resources, and nutrition programs is a must. In addition, the nominee must understand the effects of regulatory actions outside the Department of Agriculture and the importance of trade to our farmers and ranchers. We need an advocate for agriculture.
“I appreciated my conversation with Governor Perdue before his announcement and look forward to meeting with him again as the Committee completes a thorough confirmation process. Together, we must get to work addressing these immediate and future challenges.”
This is Roberts’ second term serving as Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Roberts is the only Member of Congress in history to hold the titles of both Senate and House Agriculture Committee Chairman and Ranking Member.