Senator Lankford Supports Sonny Perdue for Agriculture Secretary

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today applauded Senate confirmation of George Ervin “Sonny” Perdue to be the next Secretary of the US Department of Agriculture. He was confirmed by a vote of 87 to 11. Mr. Perdue met recently in Senator Lankford’s office on April 4, and discussed assistance for the wildfire victims in NW Oklahoma that affected Beaver, Harper, and Woodward Counties, as well as the importance of free trade to the agriculture industry.

“We need a Secretary of Agriculture in place to provide a voice for our farmers and ranchers in the Administration for issues ranging from trade to environmental policy, as well as to administer critical disaster relief efforts like those ongoing in Oklahoma in response to recent wildfires,” said Lankford. “Agriculture is a significant contributor to Oklahoma’s economy, producing over $8 billion in crops and livestock each year. I know Sonny will serve as a great advocate for the agricultural community, and I look forward to working with him on important issues that we face in Oklahoma.”

One in nine Oklahoma exports is an agricultural commodity, including cotton, wheat, beef, and pork. The total value of all agricultural exports from the state is valued at nearly $2 billion.

Perdue served as the Governor of Georgia from 2003-2011. 

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