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The former Republican governor of Georgia enjoyed support from both his and the Democratic party, securing a wide majority to become the head of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
This is one of the last appointments in President Trump’s administration and the delay has put agricultural policy on hold since the start of the year.
While nominated by President Trump, Perdue was reported to have expressed different views than the president on policy at his confirmation hearing last month. He opposed the White House’s proposal to cut USDA funding by more than 20%, and spoke out in favour of trade agreements as a way of opening new markets for American farmers. This is in contrast to President Trump’s decision to suspend trade talks on proposed deals with European and Pacific nations.
Most US farming organisations welcomed the nomination of Perdue in January, praising his business experience and farming background. The new agriculture secretary was born on a mixed dairy and tillage farm.
He will steer the USDA through the preparation of the new farm bill, which is due to define US agricultural policy after 2018.
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