GENERAL FARM PROGRAM 1093 



All our farmers and farm organizations are in favor of flexible supports as out- 

 lined in the Agricultural Act of 1948. If too much of any product is grown in 

 the country in any year, we prefer to pass on any savings, due to lower support 

 prices, to the consuming public. Very definitely we prefer to take our chances 

 rather than submit to Federal dictation as to how much we grow of any product. 

 I certainly hope that flexible price supports will prevail. 

 Yours very truly, 



John Chandler, Coviviissioner. 



State of Connecticut, 

 Department of Farms and Markets, 



Hartford, March 11, 1949. 

 Hon. N ORRIS Cotton, 



House Office Building, Washington, D. C. 

 Dear Representative Cotton: I trust that you recognize the importance of 

 Connecticut's agriculture as related to the economic welfare of every citizen of 

 Connecticut; therefore I will not go into detail. 



Those of us in the agricultural pursuit recognize that the formation of sound 

 agricultural policj' must of necessity extend beyond our borders to regional or 

 national consideration and action. 



In my opinion, one of the greatest factors involved in the stabilization of the 

 Nation's agriculture, which includes Connecticut, is the retaining in principle of 

 a flexible support price and revised paritv as incorporated in the Agricultural 

 Act of 1948. 



I trust that you will give this important issue due consideration, for which I 

 thank you. 



Wishing you a successful year in Congress, I am, 

 Very truly yours, 



Frank H. Peet, Deputy Commissioner. 



The New England Council, 



Boston, Mass., February 4, 1949. 

 Hon. NoRRis Cotton, 



House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. 

 My Dear Congressman Cotton: The Agricultural Act of 1948 provides for 

 flexible support prices for agricultural products to become effective January 1, 

 1950. The level of support will depend on the size of each crop in relation to the 

 quantity needed for domestic use and export. The New England Council's 

 Committee on Agriculture and Forestry is opposed to any change in these 

 provisions until the new law has been given a fair trial. 



A movement is on foot to extend rigid support of farm prices at 90 percent of 

 parity without regard to supply or demand. If this movement is successful it 

 can only result in discouraging a shift away from agricultural production of 

 commodities that are in excess supply to commodities which are short. If the 

 Government continues to support grain prices at 90 percent of parity and produc- 

 tion continues at its present rate, it will inevitably result in continued overpro- 

 duction of grain which is not needed and hold back the production of meat, eggs, 

 and milk. The cost of living to consumers will be kept high by discouraging the 

 most efficient use of agricultural resources. 



Enclosed is a copy of a letter to Senator Aiken endorsing the principle of flexible 

 support prices and the revised parity which he sponsored. Any support you can 

 give Senator Aiken in upholding these principles will be greatly appreciated. 

 Very truly yours, 



John L. Carten, Jr., 

 Chairman, Committee on Agriculture and Forestry. 



