11/02/07 Schafer tabbed as next Ag Secretary

Former North Dakota Governor Ed Schafer has been nominated by President Bush to become the 29th Secretary of Agriculture replacing Mike Johanns who stepped down in September. Mike Crapo, a Senate Agriculture Committee member, believes Schafer's background and experience will help in the confirmation process. Schafer says he's ready to go. SCHAFER "It will be a great pleasure to join forces with the dedicated, talented and loyal employees of the USDA to enhance our country's vibrant agriculture economy, to advance renewable energy and protect America's food supply." As governor Schafer worked to open new markets for North Dakota farmers and ranchers, oversaw the development of the agricultural biofuels industry and pioneered innovative programs to increase economic opportunity in rural communities. President Bush is asking the Senate for quick confirmation but National Farmers Union President Tom Buis isn't betting on that happening. BUIS "I can't imagine that the Senate is going to take up his nomination before next week which is when the Farm Bill is scheduled for the floor of the Senate." As a result, Schafer will have little or no input and will have to live with the Farm Bill that eventually comes out of Congress. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott