A key industry group representing producers in California and Arizona has applauded Senate Agriculture Committee's vote to favorably report the nomination of U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary-designate Sonny Perdue to the full Senate.

In a release, Western Growers CEO Tom Nassif said Perdue performed admirably during his confirmation hearing, demonstrating the type of leadership and commitment to agriculture that secured the association's endorsement more than two months ago when he was first nominated by President Trump.

"On behalf of the 2,500 Western Growers members who collectively grow more than half of the nation’s fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, I applaud the bipartisan decision of the Senate Agriculture Committee to advance Secretary-designate Sonny Perdue’s nomination as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to the Senate floor," Nassif said.

"We are confident he will act as a tireless advocate for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the industry it serves, working to preserve and enhance support for department priorities vital to the sustainability of farmers across the country.

"Furthermore, we trust that Secretary-designate Perdue will pursue a resolution to one of our industry’s greatest needs, ensuring that immigration reform – one that works for all of agriculture – remains a top priority for the president and other key cabinet and Congressional members who will be engaged in future negotiations."

While urging the Senate to "swiftly confirm" Perdue's nomination, he added Western Growers looked forward to building a relationship with the Secretary-designate in areas such as immigration, the farm bill, trade, nutrition, research funding and the environment.

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