On Tuesday, April 25, former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO) and the American Forest Foundation (AFF) both noted the importance of Perdue’s confirmation to rural communities across America and those who depend on private forests to support their local economies and way of life.
Dave Tenny, founding President and CEO of the National Alliance of Forest Owners, released the following statement after Perdue’s confirmation.
“Private forests depend on strong markets for wood products. It must make economic sense for families and businesses to keep a working forest working,” said Tenny. “Private forest owners are grateful for Secretary Perdue’s leadership, and we look forward to a productive partnership focused on protecting working forests, growing rural economies, and supporting the good men and women who work the land.”
Tom Martin, President of the American Forest Foundation, also applauded Perdue’s confirmation.
“The American Forest Foundation applauds the United States Senate for voting to confirm former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue to be the country’s next Secretary of Agriculture. As a landowner and avid sportsman, he knows the importance of America’s forests, both public and privately owned. He understands rural landowners who work so hard to manage and protect these lands.
“We look forward to working with Gov. Perdue on the upcoming Farm Bill, tackling the wildfire challenges we face in our nation’s forests, and handling other important initiatives that will grow rural jobs and economies while also sustaining our forests and the clean water, wildlife habitat and sustainable wood supplies these lands provide to all Americans.”
Learn more about Perdue’s history of support for Agriculture in Georgia →