McDaniel noncommittal on farm subsidies during Delta visit
Addressing whether he would support federal farm subsidies if he’s elected to the U.S. Senate was not on the agenda.
A 10-minute press conference in the home of a Cleveland businessman did little to reveal if farm subsidies were among the federal spending cuts on which McDaniel has built his campaign. The media time came after McDaniel addressed a group of farmers, none of whom would agree to be interviewed.
“We’re going to make sure Mississippi’s farmers have everything they need to be successful,” McDaniel said. “We’re going to make sure that industry grows along with the rest of our state’s industries, as we create an environment for growth.”
“I’ve answered the question,” McDaniel said, in response to a follow-up that asked if that growth would include federal subsidies.
According to the USDA, 41 percent of Mississippi farms received subsidies from 1995-2012. Of that number, 10 percent received 85 percent of the $8.2 billion in total payments in that period. The average annual payment to that 10 percent was $50,000.
McDaniel would not say if he addressed subsidies with the farmers before the press conference. “Agricultural concerns,” is all he’d reveal about his talk with them.
Clarion Ledger
6/13/14
Magnolia Tribune
