01/25/05 Johanns meets the press, Part one

On his first official day in office, new U.S.D.A. Secretary Mike Johanns took time to visit with the media that will be covering his department in the coming months. One would expect the first series of questions to focus on all matters b.s.e., whether it be reopening Japan to U.S. beef or allowing Canadian beef back into the U.S.. Actually, they weren't. Instead Johanns was pressed on what his agenda as Ag Secretary would be beyond b.s.e. considering most of the focus of his confirmation hearing centered on news that a third Canadian cow was diagnosed with Mad Cow Disease. JOHANNS: That whole biofuels area I just believe is just tremendous for growth. Value added of all forms is important. Rural economic develop. I spoke to an employee today and we had a nice conversation about better housing stock across the country, and that's all a piece of it. But doing everything we can to improve the vitality of our small communities across the country. You'll also see a significant emphasis in terms of what we do on the other side of the spectrum which is our nutrition programs. In addition, questions were posed on a variety of issues from where the Secretary stands on Country of Origin Labeling to how Johanns can actively improve the Conservation Security Program. JOHANNS: The Administration's position is voluntary and that's the position of this Secretary of Agriculture. I recognize that there is current law in the books. I have not had a specific discussion with the Administration on what their plans are for the future. On the whole issue of conservation, you wouldn't have to look very far in my background as Governor to indicate my support for conservation programs. It's been a rather remarkable marriage of environmental groups, hunting groups, ag groups, in terms of their support for the conservation program. We have to do in a way that meets the budget expectations that we have. We have to do it in a way that the program works. Questions about other federal programs such as the Milk Income Loss Contract program also arose during the press conference. But eventually, Johanns was approached about b.s.e., Japan, Canada, and all related matters. How the Secretary commented on these matters is the subject of our next program.