WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. — The National Sorghum Producers (NSP) presented two leadership awards during its annual D.C. Fly-in event in Washington, D.C., U.S. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue was recognized as the first ever Sorghum champion administrative recipient and U.S. Senator Jerry Moran received NSP’s 2019 Congressional Award.

NSP recognized Perdue for his leadership and support of sorghum farmers through work with the White House and other agencies during the international trade case sorghum endured with China in 2018. NSP described Perdue as a strong advocate for rural America, saying he was key to the support sorghum farmers received through the market facilitation program.

“Secretary Perdue is a true champion for sorghum and U.S. agriculture,” said Dan Atkission, chairman of the NSP. “We especially appreciate his continuous support and dedication to protect the sorghum industry as we weathered international trade challenges last year.”

NSP 2019 Congressional Award recognizes Moran for his support of U.S. sorghum producers. Moran worked with the White House and the administration during the anti-dumping and countervailing duty cases with China, which was critical to political negotiations that led to the removal of the initial tariff on sorghum. NSP also said Moran has been a strong leader through appropriations for sorghum research in Kansas and around the country through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Research Service.

“Senator Moran is a powerful advocate for practical farm policy,” Atkisson said. “We appreciate the work he continues to do on behalf of not only Kansas producers but all sorghum farmers.”