Grassroots U.S. agriculture organizations such as the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and the American Soybean Association (ASA) have been quick to issue statements applauding the appointment.

ASA President Neal Bredehoeft said in a statement today that 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.  

AFBF President Bob Stallman said: "We congratulate Nebraska Governor Mike Johanns on his nomination as secretary of the U.S. Agriculture Department. During his tenure as Nebraska's governor, Mr. Johanns consistently demonstrated his commitment to promoting rural economic development by providing incentives for business growth and job creation in rural and urban areas of Nebraska, with an emphasis on value-added agriculture.

As lead governor for agriculture for the Western Governors' Association,  Gov. Johanns helped lead the way for the re-authorization of the 2002 farm bill. Presiding over the fourth largest agricultural exporting state, Gov. Johanns recognizes the importance of opening up new export markets for U.S. agricultural products, as reflected in his many agricultural trade missions he led as governor.

"A past chairman of the Governors' Ethanol Committee, Gov. Johanns understands the importance of furthering the use of ethanol as a renewable fuel. His understanding and support of other important agricultural issues-such as acceptance of biotechnology and homeland security measures to protect the nation's food supply-and his experience growing up on a dairy farm, will serve him well in his new position". Stallman said.