Bush Nominates Gov. Schafer to Agriculture

ABC News’ Ann Compton Reports: President Bush has chosen another farm state governor to run the Department of Agriculture at a time when the important farm bill has to be reauthorized. 

President Bush nominated former North Dakota Gov. Ed Schafer to lead the Department of Agriculture.

Standing beside Schafer in the Roosevelt Room, Bush said, "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."

Schafer, a North Dakota native, responded, "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."

Schafer would have to be confirmed by the Senate at a time when farm subsidies and food safety issues are hot political issues in Washington.

The White House says Schafer has the right experience for the job, and points to his record in agriculture, business and government.

Shafer was governor of North Dakota from 1992 to 2000, and has been working in the private sector.

He was elected by large margins in North Dakota, winning strong bipartisan support and becoming the first Republican ever elected to a second term in the state’s history, the official said.

If confirmed, Schafer’s portfolio will include the farm bill, advancing the President’s trade agenda, food safety, nutrition, and development of alternative fuels like cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel.

The $288 billion farm bill is up for debate in the Senate this week or next and critics say it maintains big subsidies designed to help farmers, though the payouts now go even to farmers and agri-businesses raking in record profits.

The farm bill also, nutritionists say, encourages the production of junk food over fruits and vegetables.

During a speech to the Grocery Manufacturers Association on Wednesday, Bush asked the Senate to confirm Schafer quickly, "This afternoon I’m going to name a new secretary of Agriculture…I think you’ll like him. He understands agriculture, of course. And he’ll be a good follow-on to Mike Johanns, who did a superb job as the secretary of Agriculture."

ABC News’ Jennifer Duck and Brian Hartman contributed to this report.