We are pleased the U.S. Senate has finally confirmed Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue as the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.  Secretary Perdue’s background in production agriculture will serve him well in his new position.  Secretary Perdue faces many challenges ahead, including low commodity prices, proposed cuts in farm programs and uncertainty in future U.S. trade policies.  There are great opportunities as well, as the USDA works to improve rural broadband, helps to write a new farm bill that is beneficial to both producers and consumers, and plays a prominent role in our continuing conversation about food and modern technologies.  We wish him the best of success and pledge to work with him in whatever way possible to improve U.S. agriculture.