Daily News Update, Feb. 8, 2008

President continues push on beef trade

Although he was officially confirmed as agriculture secretary on Jan. 28, Ed Schafer was sworn in Feb. 6 in a ceremony at the Department of Agriculture with many political leaders-including President Bush-in attendance.

In his remarks, President Bush stressed the importance of the administration's trade agenda and highlighted Schafer's important role in expanding foreign markets for U.S. agriculture products, especially U.S. beef.

"Ed is going to join with other members of my administration to work to pass free trade agreements with Colombia and Panama and South Korea," the President said. "We will support a successful conclusion to the Doha round of trade talks. Ed and I are going to work tirelessly to open foreign markets for U.S. beef."