NCC: Nominee Johanns Should Prove Positive for Production Agriculture

MEMPHIS - National Cotton Council Chairman Woody Anderson said today the U.S. cotton industry is pleased that President Bush nominated Mike Johanns as the new U.S. Secretary of Agriculture – a move that should prove positive for U.S. production agriculture.

As the Governor of Nebraska, Johanns is chief executive of the fourth largest agricultural exporting state.

“Governor Johanns knows the challenges facing U.S. agriculture, and is keenly aware of the importance of trade to our nation’s food and fiber producers,” said Anderson, a Texas cotton producer. “Farm and trade policy stand shoulder to shoulder for agriculture's economic stability, particularly cotton. Johanns' experience in leading trade delegations will be important to production agriculture as those areas intersect in the future.”

Anderson noted that Governor Johanns has a proven record of promoting rural economic development, understands the importance of homeland security and has proven to be a strong leader who is not afraid to make tough choices.

“The U.S. cotton industry looks forward to working with this well-qualified candidate and strengthening its partnership with the U.S. government, including moving forward on the recently-initiated e-gov initiative,” Anderson said.