Evening star., 1943-04-24
Davis Sees No Reason
For Civilian Panic
Over Food Supplies
Reports Labor Situation
On Forms Is Improved
By New Droft Policy

Civilians concerned over food sup
plies this year had the assurance
of War Food Administrator Chester
C. Davis today that there was no
reason for panic" despite uncer-
tainties of weather and such other
limiting factors as military and
lease-lend requirements.
Il would be more optimistic if
could be assured of favorable wealth.
err" Mr.. Davis told reporters yester-
DAY at his first press conference in
the Agricultural Department since
assuming the food post March 80.
A cold, backward spring has held
up farm work and planting generally
through the country, he said, but so
far it has not been a deciding factor
in what food supplies will be avail
able to civilians this year.
May Peg Hog-Beef Prices.
Mr.. Davis said be believed the
United States will reach this year
the maximum limit of its capacity
to produce meat and other livestock
supplies. A declining reserve of
stock feed supplies, coupled with the
prospect that this years feed pro-
duction may not exceed 1912, has
raised the possibility that the Gov
ernment may have to ask farmers
next year to level off the production
OF hogs and cattle, he added.
The administrator said officials
had under consideration the placing
of ceilings on hog and beef prices.
If and when it becomes necessary"
He added, however, that he was not
in favor OF rigid ceilings because of
seasonal factors that affect all farm
commodities.
The farm labor situation has i'm
proved, Mr.. Davis said, and there
has been some improvement in the
farm machinery outlook. He at
trlbuted the labor change. in part,
to a new attitude of draft boards.
-Four regional meetings are now un-
der way, he disclosed. to work out
plans for carrying through this
years farm labor program, pro-
vided for by Congress in a recent
$26, 100000 appropria ton.
Praises FSA Program.
Questioned on the Farm Security
Administration, which was recently
deprived of funds by the House,
Mr.. Davis said he believed the
agency should be continued as it's
work is worthwhile" and because
ne is interested in helping the
farmer up the ladder as q long
term problem He added that he
was not interested in getting into
'knock-down- -drag-out fight" over
the agency.
Shortly before Mr.. Davis press
conference, President Roosevelt is
sued an executive order changing
the name Of Mr.. Davis agency
from Food Production and Distri-
button Administration to War Food
Administration. 1t also provided
concurrent jurisdiction for Mr. Davis
and Secretary of Agriculture Wick
ara to the extent necessary to
enable them to perform their re-
spectlve duties and functions"
Mr. Davis explained that this
would clear up some marginal ques-
tlons OF jurisdiction and would
permit better administration.
In radio address last night,
George Meaney, secretary treasurer
OF the American Federation of
Labor, called on Mr.. Roosevelt to
order an immediate "roll-back" of
retail food prices to the levels of
May Is, 1912. He called retail food
price control miserable failure"
under the Office of Price Admins
tration, and asserted that food costs
have doubled in the last two years.