Chellie Pingree : President-elect Trump picks former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue for Secretary of Agriculture

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement on President-elect Trump's pick of former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue as Secretary of Agriculture.

'I'm relieved that there is finally someone to consider for Secretary of Agriculture. But I'm concerned that the selection took so long to make, given this post's importance to rural communities.

'While I appreciate Sonny Perdue's farm experience and government service, I worry that he may not be familiar with the diversity of agriculture across the country. For decades, federal farm policy has mostly benefited the country's largest producers. I hope Mr. Perdue understands that one size does not fit all in farming and that he would work with me to continue advancing growing markets-including organic and local-that provide long-term economic opportunities for farmers.

'As I have in the past, I intend to work closely with this administration's U.S. Department of Agriculture to make sure Maine farmers get the support they need, that nutrition programs are preserved and promote healthy food options, and that rural areas have the resources they need to thrive.'