NFU Statement: Schafer Nominated for Secretary of Agriculture
For Immediate Release: October 31, 2007
Contact: Liz Friedlander, 202-314-3191WASHINGTON (Oct. 31, 2007) – National Farmers Union President Tom Buis made the following statement today in reaction to President Bush’s nomination of former North Dakota Governor Edward Schafer as secretary of agriculture.
“I commend President Bush for moving expeditiously to fill the position of secretary of agriculture. The secretary’s position is extremely important, but even more so as we’re in the midst of writing new federal farm policy that will cover the next five years.
“Governor Schafer’s experience as governor of North Dakota, a state with a strong agriculture economy, should be an asset as the next secretary of agriculture. If confirmed, we look forward to working with Governor Schafer in improving the quality of life in rural America.
“The North Dakota Farmers Union, the largest farm organization in the state, has enjoyed a strong working relationship with Governor Schafer and we at the National Farmers Union look forward to the same in his new role.”
North Dakota Farmers Union President Robert Carlson said of the nomination, “As governor, Ed Schafer and our organization worked on several state and federal issues that were important to North Dakota agriculture. We appreciated his tenacity in standing up for farmers and ranchers. He was steadfast in his convictions, regardless of political consequences.”
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