WASHINGTON (AFP) — US President George W. Bush on Wednesday nominated former North Dakota governor Edward Schafer as his new agriculture secretary, citing priorities like opening markets to US farm exports.
"Ed Schafer is the right choice to fill this post," Bush told reporters at the White House. "He worked to open new markets for North Dakota farmers and ranchers, by expanding trade with China."
"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," said Bush.
If confirmed by the US Senate, he would replace Mike Johanns, who resigned last month in order to seek the seat of retiring Republican Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, a sometimes critic of the White House on issues like Iraq.
Copyright © 2009 AFP. All rights reserved. More »
