President Bush on Wednesday announced his nomination of Ed Schafer as the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

"Ed Schafer's the right choice to fill this post," Bush said during an appearance with Schafer at the White House. "He was a leader on agricultural issues during his eight years as governor of North Dakota."

Chuck Conner, acting agriculture secretary, applauded the president's pick.

"Having served two terms as governor of an agricultural state, Schafer knows the issues," Conner said. "He has led trade missions, promoted renewable energy and advanced rural development in his home state. His reputation for being a strong leader with a straightforward approach and optimistic outlook will fit perfectly here at the department, and it will be appreciated by the farmers, ranchers and other stakeholders whom we serve."

Bush said Schafer's priorities as agriculture secretary would be to work with Congress to pass a Farm Bill that provides farmers with a safety net, protects our lands and environment and spends federal tax dollars wisely. He will also help to conclude the Doha world trade round and seek to open up new markets for U.S. beef.

Schafer served two terms as Governor of the State of North Dakota where agriculture is the leading industry with nearly 24 percent of workers employed as farmers, ranchers or in farm-related jobs.

Burdell Johnson of Tuttle, North Dakota, and president of the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) commended the selection of Schafer and pledges ASI's support for his confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

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