Sonny Perdue was inducted into the National Agricultural Hall of Fame on Oct. 23 for his contributions to American agriculture. He is a former Georgia governor and U.S. secretary of agriculture and the current University System of Georgia chancellor.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper nominated Perdue with support from Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and American Farm Bureau President and Georgia native Zippy Duval. Perdue is the third Georgian to be inducted.
“Agriculture is more than food and resources — it’s the foundation of thriving communities,” Perdue said. “I’ve always championed the growers and protectors of our food and our natural resources. This recognition belongs to them.”
“Chancellor Perdue has been a lifelong champion for agriculture,” said Harper.
“Sonny has dedicated his life to supporting farmers and investing in rural communities both in his home state and across the country,” Kemp said.
Duval said of Perdue: “His lifelong dedication to farmers has helped maintain our nation’s food security and advanced American agriculture.”
“I have had the pleasure of knowing Sonny from our early days in the Georgia General Assembly,” said Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall. “His support of all Georgians launched him into a successful two-term stint as governor, where he led farmers through some difficult times of drought, water policy issues, economic challenges and education reform. As Georgia’s only U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny brought his strong business acumen to USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture), streamlining programs and services to better serve constituents. Now as chancellor of Georgia’s University System, we are proud to have Sonny back home leading our next generation and cultivating a foundation for the success of farmers and rural communities.”
The National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame was federally chartered by an Act of the 86th Congress and signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1960. It honors individuals who have made outstanding national or international contributions to the establishment, development, advancement or improvement of agriculture.
Source: Georgia Department of Agriculture
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