Mr Perdue is a qualified veterinarian from a farming family, and formerly ran small businesses in the agriculture sector.

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson released the following statement in response to today’s announcement: "Given the challenging state of the farm economy, more than ever, family farmers and ranchers need a champion in Washington. I am hopeful we will find that champion in Sonny Perdue.

"USDA is more than agriculture’s agency; it is America’s agency. We look forward to working with Mr. Perdue and the new administration to create and defend a strong farm safety net and provide meaningful farm policy solutions for producers, particularly dairy farmers and cotton growers, in the next Farm Bill.

"We will also ask that USDA take a proactive approach to building opportunities for rural America, increase support for conservation as a way to manage risk on the farm, and expand market opportunities for all types of agriculture production."

The American Feed Industry Association also commented on the appointment: "The American Feed Industry Association is pleased with President-elect Donald Trump's latest, and final, cabinet selection... AFIA works with USDA on a broad slate of issues such as trade and implementation of the farm bill. We believe Gov. Perdue's political and agriculture-related background make him a sound fit for the role."