Trump taps ex-Ga. governor as agriculture secretary

President-elect Donald Trump has chosen former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue to fill his secretary of agriculture cabinet position. The Republican nominee will oversee U.S. Department of Agriculture programs, including the National School Lunch Program and national dietary guidelines, if approved by the Senate.

Perdue, who will replace Tom Vilsack, served two terms as governor, from 2003 to 2011. Perdue grew up on a farm in central Georgia, later earning his doctorate in veterinary sciences and owning agriculture businesses netting more than $2 million, according to Politico.

A representative from the School Nutrition Association said the organization looks forward to working with Perdue.

“School nutrition professionals are committed to continually improving the nutrition and quality of school meals and promoting healthier lifestyles for students,” SNA President Becky Domokos-Bays said in a statement. “If confirmed, we are hopeful Gov. Perdue will work to strengthen school meal programs and help ease funding and regulatory challenges.”

If approved, Perdue will preside over the department as Congress attempts to push through Child Nutrition Reauthorization legislation during the upcoming legislative session.