| WASHINGTON, D.C. — President George W. Bush last week nominated former North Dakota Gov. Ed Schafer as the next USDA secretary.
Schafer was a two-term governor in North Dakota from 1992-2000. Among his accomplishments, he led an agricultural trade mission to China in 2000 to open new trade markets for North Dakota-produced farm goods.
“Ed Schafer is the right choice to fill this post,” Bush said. “He was a leader on agricultural issues during his eight years as the governor of North Dakota. He worked to open new markets for North Dakota farmers and ranchers by expanding trade with China. He oversaw the development of the state’s agricultural biofuels industry. He helped families recover from natural disasters - including drought, fires and floods. And he pioneered innovative programs to increase economic opportunity in rural communities.”
Schafer is eager to accept the challenge if the Senate confirms his nomination.
“It is humbling to follow my friend, Secretary (Mike) Johanns, into this position. And I hope that I can live up to the high standards of performance that he set at the agency,” Schafer said. “I’m also looking forward to working with you, Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner, who has faithfully served as the interim Secretary.
“Mr. President, I come from an agriculture state, as do you. Growing up in that arena, and focusing now on the USDA, I realize that the mission of this agency goes far beyond the services delivered to the preservation of a way of life that I believe is the foundation of this country.”
National Farmers’ Union President Tom Buis said the timing for this nomination is crucial.
“I commend President Bush for moving expeditiously to fill the position of secretary of agriculture,” he said. “The secretary’s position is extremely important, but even more so as we’re in the midst of writing new federal farm policy that will cover the next five years.
“Governor Schafer’s experience as governor of North Dakota, a state with a strong agriculture economy, should be an asset as the next secretary of agriculture. If confirmed, we look forward to working with Governor Schafer in improving the quality of life in rural America.” |
