The American Soybean Association (ASA) today commends President George W. Bush on his nomination of Governor Mike Johanns (R-NE) for Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Johanns will succeed outgoing USDA Secretary Ann Veneman.

“The ASA welcomes Governor Johanns’ nomination as the next Secretary of Agriculture and looks forward to working with him on important soybean issues, including biodiesel, trade and soybean rust,” said ASA President Neal Bredehoeft. “Governor Johanns has a strong record on trade promotion and has been a tireless proponent of biofuels in Nebraska.”

Governor Johanns was elected in 1998 and re-elected in 2002. His agricultural priorities have been trade, tax relief and biofuels. During his two terms as Nebraska’s top executive, Governor Johanns led a number of overseas trade missions to promote Nebraska’s agricultural products.

“U.S. agriculture in general, and our soybean industry in particular, face several major challenges and opportunities,” Bredehoeft said. “Soybean rust has now established a foothold in the U.S. and is expected to spread before next year’s crop. Trade negotiations must continue to improve access for U.S. soybeans. And with enactment of a new tax incentive, we have a golden opportunity to build a vibrant biodiesel industry in the U.S. We look forward to Governor Johanns’ leadership on these and other priorities,” Bredehoeft concluded.