President George W. Bush nominated Nebraska Governor Mike Johanns (R) to serve as Secretary of Agriculture. Johanns was elected Governor of Nebraska in 1998 and re-elected in 2002. As Governor, he has placed emphasis on value-added agriculture, renewable fuels, and job creation in rural areas. International trade has been a priority with Johanns leading five delegations on trade missions to Japan, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Australia, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brazil and Chile. In nominating him, President Bush stated that Johanns is “an experienced public servant from America’s agricultural heartland. As a son of Iowa dairy farmers, he grew up close to the land. He will bring to this position a lifetime of involvement in agriculture, and a long record of a faithful friend to America’s farmers and ranchers.” Johanns must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.