WASHINGTON, D.C. — After almost three months without a USDA secretary, the final vote to confirm former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue has been scheduled for April 24.

 

President Trump announced Perdue as his choice for secretary on Jan. 19, the day before Trump’s inauguration, but the formal nomination didn’t occur until March 9. It was the last cabinet appointment announced. Perdue had bipartisan support following his hearing before the Senate Agriculture Committee on March 23. When the committee voted for his nomination to move forward on March 30, it was with near-unanimous support. He also has the support of hundreds of independent agricultural agencies and businesses and several of the past USDA secretaries.

 

There were questions about his support for big farm businesses and ethics concerns from his time as governor. Those questions were not asked during his hearing. Several of the senators at the hearing referenced these concerns, and said they had spoken with Perdue privately and had the questions satisfactorily answered.

 

The questions would be asked in paperwork following the meeting for Perdue to answer, but the record is not available for several more weeks. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), ranking member of the Agriculture Committee, said at the time she was satisfied with the answers Perdue provided during his meeting with her.

 

“I strongly support the nomination of Governor Perdue to serve as Agriculture Secretary and I am committed to getting him in place at USDA as quickly as possible,” she said. “After the Senate received the official nomination for Governor Perdue seven weeks after most Cabinet-level nominations were submitted, the Agriculture Committee acted on a bipartisan basis to move Governor Perdue quickly through the Committee process in a thorough but efficient manner.”

 

Stabenow said she was disappointed the confirmation did not occur last week before the Senate session recess this week. She said she and Perdue have differences on policies but share a commitment to support American agriculture and strengthen rural communities.

 

“Farmers and families in Michigan and all across rural America need a champion at USDA,” she said.

 

Danielle Neirenberg, president and founder of Food Tank, said the length of time it took for Perdue to be nominated makes her question Trump’s commitment to the people who voted for him.

 

Not having an agriculture secretary while discussing the budget could hurt the agricultural industry in the long run, but nothing has been decided yet. If approved, Perdue will have to work to catch up on issues concerning the 2018 farm bill, she added.

 

“The agriculture secretary sets the tone not just for the USDA but the tone for the whole administration,” Neirenberg said. The career USDA employees have stepped up to try to fill the gap, but they need leadership.

 

She said there are concerns about his ties to corporate agriculture, but she is hopeful he’ll listen to the needs of farmers.

 

On April 3, the House Agriculture Committee leadership sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and others asking for a swift confirmation of Perdue. “Gov. Perdue clearly demonstrated that he has a strong command of the issues at his confirmation hearing, and we believe he has the qualities, background and experience needed to be a successful secretary of agriculture. We support and eagerly await his confirmation in the full Senate,” the letter stated.

 

Net farm income has fallen by 50 percent over the last four years, unemployment rates in rural America remain high and avian influenza remains a concern. Fires have burned 2 million acres of farmland, killing livestock and people, the letter continues.

 

The USDA plays a part in responding to these situations and the department requires someone in the leadership position. Also, budget talks have already begun and the agriculture industry has had no input. “It is vitally important that America’s farmers and ranchers – who have already endured billions of dollars in cuts under the last farm bill – have a seat at the table in any discussions about further budget cuts,” the letter continues. Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) supports Perdue and would like to work with him to combat opioid abuse, eliminate trade barriers and promote the Renewable Fuel Standard.

 

“Indiana’s farmers deserve an agriculture secretary who will respect their hard work and look out for their interests. That means improving broadband access, improving conservation programs and expanding market opportunities,” Donnelly said. “After discussing these issues with Sonny Perdue, and receiving a commitment that he will use his time at USDA to maintain these priorities and help combat the opioid abuse epidemic, I will support his nomination.”