Contact:
FPAC.BC.Press@usda.gov
WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2021— The Biden Administration recently appointed John Perdue as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA West Virginia Farm Service Agency (FSA). Perdue joined the West Virginia FSA team on Dec. 13, 2021.
“Individuals selected to serve as FSA State Executive Directors are incredible public servants who have a proven track record when it comes to their commitment to advance their states and communities,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Each will serve on the frontlines, carrying out USDA’s mission at the state level and ensuring the voice of each and every USDA customer is heard. We are fortunate to have each of these talented individuals at this critical time for farmers and producers and rural communities across America.”
John Perdue started his public service career with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture as a pesticide inspector. During his time there he held several positions, including the title of Assistant Commissioner. In 1989, he became the Executive Assistant to former West Virginia Governor Gaston Caperton and served as a member of his executive staff for eight years. Mr. Perdue was elected as the 24th State Treasurer of West Virginia in 1996 and served six terms. Perdue is the only West Virginia State Treasurer to serve as president of the National Association of State Treasurers. As State Treasurer he established the SMART 529 college savings plan to help West Virginians pay for college. When he left office, the program had grown to over three billion dollars with more than 150,000 families invested in the program.
John is a 1972 graduate of West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. He grew up on a small family farm in Boone County where they grew tobacco and small fruits and vegetables. While still in high school, John sold produce to save money for college. He was active in 4-H and FFA where he became a 4-H All Star and earned his FFA state farmers degree. He credits his time in 4-H and FFA for his love of farming. John and his wife Robin reside in Cross Lanes, West Virginia and have two adult daughters.
As SED, Perdue will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of FSA programs to agricultural producers in West Virginia. These commodity, conservation, credit, and disaster assistance programs ensure a safe, affordable, abundant, and nutritious food, fiber, and fuel supply for consumers.
“The State Executive Director is a pivotal leadership position for the Agency and for the agricultural producers we serve,” said Marcus Graham, FSA Deputy Administrator for Field Operations. “These leaders, appointed by the Biden-Harris Administration, bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their respective states. We are happy to have them on board and wish them much success.”
Farm Service Agency serves farmers, ranchers, foresters, and agricultural partners through the effective, efficient, and equitable delivery of federal agricultural programs. The Agency offers producers a strong safety net through the administration of farm commodity and disaster programs. Additionally, through conservation programs, FSA continues to preserve and protect natural resources and provides credit to agricultural producers who are unable to receive private, commercial credit, including targeted loan funds for beginning, underserved, women and military veterans involved in production agriculture.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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