Chuck Hagel: “The question might be asked: What does the Washington Post know about farm policy? That is a legitimate question.…”

“The question might be asked: What does the Washington Post know about farm policy? That is a legitimate question. Probably very little. The point made in that editorial is a very real point in that the continued support of the Congress, representatives of the people of this country, to pay for another $63 billion in additional farm subsidy programs isn't going to continue to be there. Until we bring some reality and common sense to our system, to our program, then politically it becomes more and more difficult each year to sustain that subsidy program. It is worth noting also that this payment limitation reform would save $1.3 billion, according to CBO. And some of those savings would be reinvested in agriculture--increasing funding for the Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Loan Program--that is very important for new farmers and ranchers--expanding the Crop Insurance Program, which is, in fact, the way to eventually go in securing and sustaining the ability of farmers to produce and survive and prosper. It would boost nutrition programs. Farm support programs are vital, of course, to our farm families and our agricultural communities. We are not arguing that point. But without real payment limitation reform, we will continue to weaken the same farmers we claim we want to help.”