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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 31, 2007
President Bush Nominates Ed Schafer for Secretary of Agriculture
Roosevelt Room
Fact Sheet: Ed Schafer: A Record of Leadership in Agriculture and Business
2:05 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all; be seated. Good afternoon. I'm proud to
announce my nomination of Ed Schafer to be the next Secretary of
Agriculture.
The Secretary of Agriculture heads a Cabinet department of more than
100,000 employees. I rely on the Secretary to provide sound advice on
issues ranging from our nation's farm economy and food supply to
international trade and conservation programs. To carry out these
responsibilities, the Secretary of Agriculture needs to be someone who
understands the challenges facing America's farmers, ranchers and
consumers.
Ed Schafer is the right choice to fill this post. 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.
Ed also has extensive management experience in the private sector. Before
running for public office, he was the president of the family-owned
business that his dad started. He's also launched a number of
entrepreneurial ventures of his own. At every stage of his career, Ed has
shown wisdom, foresight and creativity. Those same qualities will make him
a valuable member of my Cabinet, and they will make him a trusted friend to
America's farmers and ranchers.
Ed's passion for agriculture has deep roots. His maternal grandparents
were Danish immigrants who worked as farmers on the plains of North Dakota.
Ed has always kept their story close to his heart. And they'd be proud to
see their grandson rise to become our nation's top agriculture official.
In his new job, Ed will carry on the work of another fine public servant,
Mike Johanns. Mike became Secretary of Agriculture at the beginning of my
second term. During his time in office, he helped open new markets for
trade, promoted renewable fuels and conservation and provided timely
assistance to our farmers and ranchers devastated by natural disasters.
Mike leaves a legacy of integrity and dedication. And Laura and I wish
Mike and his wife, Stephanie, all the best on their return home to
Nebraska.
I also thank my friend, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Chuck Conner, for
serving as Acting Secretary during this time of transition. Chuck grew up
on a family farm in Indiana. He has a deep knowledge of agricultural
issues. He's done an outstanding job. Appreciate the fact that you will
remain as Acting Secretary until the Senate confirms Ed as Mike Johanns's
permanent replacement. Thank you for joining us today.
Following Mike is not going to be easy -- but Ed Schafer is up to the
challenge. With Ed's leadership, we will work with Congress to pass a farm
bill that provides farmers with a safety net, protects our lands and the
environment and spends federal tax dollars wisely. Ed will also join other
members of my administration to continue leveling the playing field for
America's farm products by concluding the Doha Round of trade negotiations.
And he and I will continue to work hard to open up new markets for
American beef.
As Ed takes on these new challenges, he will rely on the support of his
caring family. Ed is blessed with a wonderful wife, Nancy, who came from
North Dakota today. He is also blessed with four children and eight
grandchildren. Their love will give Ed the strength to serve our country
in his new capacity.
I urge the Senate to swiftly confirm Ed Schafer as the 29th Secretary of
Agriculture. I look forward to having this good and decent man as a member
of my Cabinet. Congratulations.
MR. SCHAFER: Thank you, Mr. President. It is an honor to stand beside you
today to accept this assignment. I appreciate the confidence that you have
in me, and if I am confirmed, I'm looking forward to serving you and the
people of the United States of America in your Cabinet as Secretary of
Agriculture.
It is humbling to follow my friend, Secretary Johanns, into this position.
And I hope that I can live up to the high standards of performance that he
set at the agency. I'm also looking forward to working with you, Deputy
Secretary Chuck Conner, who has faithfully served as the interim Secretary.
And if I am honored with a Senate confirmation, 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, improve nutrition and health, and
conserve our natural resources.
As you mentioned, Mr. President, my spouse, my true friend and the love of
my life, Nancy, is here with us today, and I want to thank you, my dear,
for all your support and encouragement and love that has been the driving
force in my life.
I'm extremely proud of my heritage, and I would like to thank our
grandparents and parents and children -- in fact, our whole family -- for
the warm loving embrace in which you hold me always.
I also want to recognize the people of the great state of North Dakota.
Throughout the years, they have supported, encouraged and nurtured me, and
that has been tremendously uplifting.
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.
I thank you again for the opportunity to serve the people of the United
States, and if confirmed, I will do my very best to promote, preserve and
enhance the mission of the United States Department of Agriculture.
It is my honor to serve this great country, and I thank God for guiding me
here today. May he bless you, Mr. President, and may God bless America.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, sir.
END 2:13 P.M. EDT
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