Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1953-01-15

ways ana IHedIlS VI SIAehS IHSn
ing and improving the United
States Department Of Agriculture
and general agricultural policies
were considered by the Interim
Agricultural Advisory Committee
in three-day meeting at the Uni
versity of Maryland, January 6-S.
The committee met with incom-
ing Secretary of Agriculture Ezra
Taft Benson to advise with him re-
garding the new administrations
programs and policies after jan
uary 20.
Mr.. Benson told the committee
that the guiding purpose should be
to strengthen the economy OF the
country and to maintain a pros
porous agriculture with minimum
of governmental control within the
free enterprise system.
The reorganization of the De-
partment of Agriculture, for great
err economy and effectiveness in
carrying out it's proper functions
received first consideration of the
group.
The needs of American agricul-
ture should be re-examined and
each need studied to see whether
it can be met best by public or
private action, Mr.. Benson said.
If a job is a public one, it must
then be decided whether it can best
be handled by a local, state or
Federal government or combination
of them. He stressed the import
ance of a critical review of the
Departments activities to provide
for better coordination, elimina-
ton of functions not essential to
serve the public need, and to effect
savings wherever possible. He paid
tribute to the outstanding scien-
lists and the numerous devoted
public servants of the Department
who shave done so much to pro-
mote the welfare of agriculture
and the nation"
Discussion of factors which must
be considered in connection with
expiration of the present Interna-
tional Wheat Agreement July 81,
1858, occupied considerable time of
the committee since it is one of
the first major problems which
must be resolved after January 20.
Representatives of 46 nations
are scheduled to arrive in Wash
ington for an international discus
sion of the problem January 80.
The present agreement, negotiated
in 1919, is a multi-lateral arrange
ment providing a total annual
trade in wheat and wheat flour of
581 million bushels at prices with
in specified range. Of this total
the United States quota was 253
million bushels. Mr.. Benson re-
ported that the question of extern
sion of the agreement will also be
discussed Immediately with con-
gressional leaders, commodity ad-
visory groups and national farm
organizations and that the new adj
ministration will be prepared to
participate in the January 80 meet
ing.
Establishment of the interim ad-
visory committee is in accordance
with the new administration pol
icy of seeking the best advice pos
sible. 1t was emphasized that men,
bers serve as private individuals
and were selected because of their
broad experience and knowledge of
agriculture and farm problems. The
members come from all sections of
the country and are here not at
Federal government expense.
The Secretary will call further
meetings of the Committee as the
need develops. He will also carry
on continuing discussions with con-
gressional leaders, national farm
organizations and commodity ad-
visory groups.
The committee includes:
w. I. Myers, Chairman, Dean
Agricultural College, Cornell, It'll
AGA, N. Y.
Jesse w. Tapp, Executive Vice
President, Bank of America, Sar
Francisco, California.