Bush selects agriculture secretary choice

WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Two-time North Dakota Gov. Edward Schafer was named Wednesday as President George Bush's nominee to run the 100,000-plus employee Department of Agriculture.

In presenting Schafer, Bush said he relied on the Secretary of Agriculture for advice on issues ranging from "our nation's farm economy and food supply to international trade and conservation programs."

Schafer, governor of North Dakota from 1992 to 2000, would succeed Mike Johanns, who resigned in September.

"Ed Schafer is the right choice to fill this post," Bush said. "He was a leader on agricultural issues ... worked to open new markets for North Dakota farmers and ranchers by expanding trade with China (and) ... oversaw the development of the state's agricultural biofuels industry."

Schafer said if he is confirmed, "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."