Tester Outlines Montana Agriculture Priorities to Secretary of Agriculture Nominee Sonny Perdue

Senator to Perdue: You Need to Work for Montana’s Number One Industry

(U.S. Senate) – Big Sandy farmer and U.S. Senator Jon Tester met with the nominee to head the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue.

Tester, the Senate’s only working farmer, planted the seed of Montana’s agricultural interests in the USDA, raising the issues facing Montana’s farmers and ranchers directly with Perdue. Tester invited the nominee to visit his farm-or any farm or ranch in Montana-to better understand the concerns facing family farms and ranches.

“As a farmer, I know the important role the USDA plays in our agriculture industry,” Tester said. “Montana producers grow and raise the best products in the world and we need an Ag Secretary who will fight for family farmers and ranchers. I had a productive meeting with Governor Perdue and will continue to stand up for Montana’s farmers and ranchers throughout his confirmation process.”

Tester voiced the concerns of Montana farmers and ranchers who contacted his office and attended his recent Farm Bill Listening Sessions, especially on trade issues.

“With low commodity prices, I know Montana’s farmer and ranchers are nervous about the direction of our nation’s trade agenda,” Tester added. “Today I relayed the concerns of our producers to Governor Perdue and expressed the importance of lowering trade barriers and expanding our markets for folks in production agriculture.”

Tester has posted a portal on his website for Montanans to provide feedback on each of President-elect Trump’s cabinet nominees. He encourages Montanans to continue to provide important insight and tough questions for all nominees.