Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1953-02-22
| Benson Tells Farmers
To Aid Formulation
|0f New Farm Program
BY the Assoeioted Press

l
DES MONIES. Feb. 2l.-Sec.
rotary of Agriculture Benson ap-
| pealed today to the farmers OF
the Nation to aid in building a
strong grass roots" type farm
program that will be free from
serious regrets and disappoint-
ments later.
Such a program, would see
minimum governmental inter-
ference in farmers affairs, he
said. and he declared that price
supports in themselves are not
adequate to keep agriculture
strong.
Welcoming the counsel Of the
farm community, the Cabinet
member told a luncheon session
of the 18th annual National
| Farm Institute:
II have great confidence in
the wisdom of the masses Of a
well-informed people"
| A forum which attracts farm
ers and speakers on various
phases Of agricultural interest,
the institute has occasionally
produced some lively debates on
national farm policies.
Today, however, Secretary
Benson was accorded a close and
friendly hearing both at his
morning news conference of sc
minutes and at the luncheon.
Welcomes Counsel.
| The Secretary Of Agriculture
told his listeners he "does now
and will continue to welcome all
the sound counsel that can be
marshaled in meeting the prob.
lens facing U.S."
He assured that 1--WE will never
be guilty of handing down
ready-made programs"
Citizens should build the pro-
grams and tell the administra-
ton and the Congress what they
want done, Mr.. Benson said.
do not wait to be appointed
to an advisory group" he added.
Join in the policy-making
activities of your farm and in
duStrial organizations, and
through them become q con-
structive force in helping guide
the agricultural development OF
our great country"
The Secretary made it clear
that he intends to faithfully adj
minister the present farm price
support program. Price support
legislation expires at the end OF
1854 f.
Should Look Ahead.
so. M. Benson said, quoting
from President Eisenhower's state
OF the Union address, 1--WE should
begin now to consider what farm
legislation we should develop for
1855 and beyond"
Congress is deeply concerned
said the speaker las we all are
about the recent declines in
prices Of farm products"
! The beef price drops, for in
stance, he said have meant ter
rifle losses to cattlemen."
In this situation. Mr.. Benson
assel ted:
we acted without delay. We
nave investigated the need fo1
emergency credit, the possibility
OF using meat on the school lunch
! program and have urged the mil
itary service to advance their
purchases Of meat"
The Secretary also said "a new
policy Of revolving Commodity
Credit Corporation (CCC corr
stocks through sale and pur-
chase" to prevent spoilage, and
waste had been initiated this
week. CCC has about 81 billion
worth Of corn in storage.
I'VE believe this new policy
alone will save the taxpayers
millions Of dollars annually BY
preventing serious deterioration
OF Government-held Stocks" Mr.
Benson stated.
In his news conference, the
Secretary said agriculture must
70 ready to make its contribu.
ton to the reduction of huge
governmental expenditures. H,
said be was talking mainly abou
annual payments" for sounc
practices that should be followed