National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
Representing the Business Interests of Agriculture

Washington, DC—“On behalf of NCFC and America’s farmer cooperatives, I would like to congratulate former Governor Ed Schafer of North Dakota on his nomination to become the next Secretary of Agriculture.

His nomination comes at a critical time, as Congress is writing a new farm bill and as global trade talks under the WTO continue.

“Both of these tasks are extremely important to America’s more than 3,000 farmer cooperatives whose members include a majority of our nation’s nearly two million farmers and ranchers. Farmer cooperatives have long played a vital role in enhancing the economic well being of farmers and ranchers, as well as their local communities; this is especially true in North Dakota.

Governor Schafer, with his roots on a family farm in North Dakota, brings with him a background and understanding of agriculture and rural America that should be helpful as Secretary of Agriculture.

We look forward to working with Governor Schafer upon his confirmation as the new farm bill is implemented over the coming months.

At the same time, we also want to take this opportunity to commend Acting Secretary Conner for his leadership.”

NCFC is a national association representing America’s farmer cooperatives. There are nearly 3,000 farmer cooperatives across the U.S. whose members include a majority of our nation’s more than 2 million farmers, ranchers and growers. These farmer cooperative businesses handle, process, and market agricultural commodities and related products; furnish farm supplies; and provide credit and associated financial services. Earnings from these activities are returned to their members on a patronage basis. Farmer cooperatives also provide jobs for nearly 250,000 Americans, many in rural areas, with a combined payroll of over $8 billion. Additional information about NCFC can be found at http://www.ncfc.org.