BIO Statement on Governor Mike Johanns’ Nomination to Agriculture Secretary

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 3, 2004) -- Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) Executive Director Sean Darragh issued the following statement on President Bush’s nomination of Nebraska Governor Mike Johanns as the next Secretary of Agriculture:

“BIO congratulates Governor Mike Johanns on his nomination as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and we look forward to working with him to continue the development and acceptance of agricultural biotechnology worldwide.  Gov. Johanns’ experience as Chairman of the Governor’s Biotechnology Partnership, as well as his previous position as Chairman of the National Governors’ Association’s Committee on Economic Development and Commerce, make him especially suited to understanding that agricultural biotechnology is a tool to help America’s farmers provide healthier and more nutritious foods, and help to protect the environment.  We look forward to working with Gov. Johanns to provide farmers, consumers and the environment with the benefits of agricultural biotechnology.”

Information on the Governors Biotechnology Partnership http://www.governorsbiotech.org/purpose.html.

BIO represents more than 1,000 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations in all 50 U.S. states and 33 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of health-care, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.

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