he National Protein and Food Distribution Association (NPFDA) awarded the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Jim Perdue, the third-generation chairman of Perdue Farms. In receiving the award, Jim Perdue stated, “My grandfather Arthur W. Perdue built our business on quality, integrity and trust and my father transformed the industry”. He added, “I am proud to carry on the legacy into our companies second century. While the business may have changed over the years, our values continue to guide our decisions today”.
He accepted the award on behalf of hard-working associates of Perdue Farms. Jim Perdue earned Masters and Doctoral degrees before joining the company in 1983 working his way up to become Chairman of the Board in 1991. Among many accomplishments during his tenure, Perdue Farms was the first to adopt a no-antibiotics-ever (NAE) protocol.
Jim Perdue is active in community organizations and industry associations including non-profits dedicated to preservation of the Chesapeake Bay.