594 GENERAL FARM PROGRAM 



lack purchasing power to buy food during periods of mass unemployment. 

 Therefore, it would seem that a national food-stamp plan to guarantee an ever- 

 normal diet to all people at all times is worthy of the committee's consideration. 

 By so establishing a floor under food consumption, it would be possible to main- 

 tain the farm-product market at a high level and allow for the setting of definite 

 production goals for agriculture. 



It is my considered opinion that the Brannan proposal for extended price sup- 

 ports should be adopted, and this plan should be supplemented by crop insurance 

 to protect the farmer from crop failure, and a national food-stamp plan to sustain 

 farm markets. This combination would serve as the foundation of a sound 

 over-all farm program into which can be fitted extended REA, housing, social 

 welfare, home ownership, and other policies for the benefit of agriculture ; and 

 would go far to provide permanent prosperity for the Nation's farmers. 



Mr. Pace. The committee will stand adjourned. 

 (Whereupon, at 12 noon, the committee was adjourned, to reconvene 

 at the call of the Chair.) 



