Schafer Nominated as Ag Secretary
News Date November 01, 2007
The president has announced the nomination of Ed Schafer as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. "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," said President Bush during the nomination announcement.
Schafer said "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."
Until recently, Schafer served as chief executive officer of Extend America. Earlier in his career, he served two terms as governor of North Dakota. Schafer received his bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota and his MBA from the University of Denver.
He and his wife, Nancy, have four children and eight grandchildren. (Contact: Rick Kirchhoff)