WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 18, 2017 - National Chicken Council President Mike Brown released the following statement in response to reports that former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue was to be nominated to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture:
"Governor Perdue has a strong record as two-term chief executive of Georgia and is acquainted with a wide array of agriculture commodities, from chicken and peanuts to cotton and timber.
"As a veterinarian, agribusiness owner and a governor who established an agricultural advisory committee in Georgia, he understands and appreciates the importance of American agriculture both here and abroad. He is a welcomed choice from the 'Broiler Belt.'
"We hope he is confirmed expeditiously so we can begin work with the department on the many issues of importance to chicken producers."
Georgia is the #1 chicken producing state in the country, directly employing 44,000 people and supporting an additional 144,000 jobs in supplier and ancillary industries. In 2016, the broiler industry was responsible for $39 billion in total economic activity in the state.
Source: National Chicken Council
