Sen. Grassley is the only working family farmer in the U.S. Senate and chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, where all trade legislation is considered. Al Johnson is a native of Long Grove, Iowa. He was an agriculture policy advisor to Sen. Grassley during the 1980s and is currently President of the National Oilseed Processors Association. Al Johnson's nomination today was supported by leading national farm organizations.
Here is Sen. Grassley's comment:
"Agriculture makes an enormous and valuable contribution as U.S. trade's third largest exporter. The agriculture trade issues are complex and difficult. They need particular attention, and that's why I worked to help create the special ag negotiator position in the U.S. trade representative's office.
"The appointment of Al Johnson today shows that President Bush clearly recognizes the importance of this position to American farmers. Al Johnson is just the right person to hold the job. His Midwestern background, hands-on experience, policy expertise, good judgment, and vision for agriculture will help ensure an aggressive and sustained effort on the part of the administration to open new markets for American farmers. With Al's appointment, farmers can know they have a real friend inside the USTR."