Dec 2, 2004Nebraska Governor Nominated to Become Secretary of Agriculture
Nebraska’s Gov. Mike Johanns has been nominated to become the next secretary of agriculture. Current Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman announced her resignation in November.
In accepting Pres. George Bush’s nomination, Johanns said: As governor of Nebraska, I have devoted a substantial amount of my time promoting rural economic development and ag issues, not only in our state, but across our country and overseas. For the past four years, I want you to know that it has truly been a privilege to work on these issues with Secretary Ann Veneman. She’s been a great friend to the ag community, and I look forward to building on her good work.
He went on to say “There are challenges ahead, but I know that my colleagues and I from the Department of Agriculture will answer the challenge.”
Farm groups such as the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFB) and the American Coalition for Ethanol have already hailed the nomination of Johanns.
“As lead governor for agriculture for the Western Governors’ Association, Gov. Johanns helped lead the way for the re-authorization of the 2002 farm bill,” said Bob Stallman, AFB president. “Presiding over the fourth largest agricultural exporting state, Gov. Johanns recognizes the importance of opening up new export markets for U.S. agricultural products, as reflected in his many agricultural trade missions he led as governor.””
