On cspan2 if it becomes available. Yesterday, former georgia governor sonny perdue was on capitol hill for his confirmation hearing to be the next agricultural secretary. This is about two and half hours. Good morning members of the committee. I call this meeting of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Administration and for street to order. This morning we welcome governor sonny perdue. The president s nominee for u. S. Secretary of agriculture. Members of this committee have great appreciation for the Farmers Ranchers and consumers and other stakeholders that are directly affected by the decisions made by the secretary. The department of agriculture is made up of 29 agencies and offices. It employs nearly 100,000 men and women that work in all 50 states around the globe. The department provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, World Development, nutrition, Scientific Research and related issues that impact americans every day. Throughout our nations history, our far