Plan to Cut Farm Subsidies Likely Dead

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - President Barack Obama faces long odds in his

latest effort to cut subsidies for wealthy farmers.

Farm state lawmakers largely control agriculture committees, and

attempts at subsidy reform have failed in recent years. The 2008

Farm Bill placed some income limits on recipients of subsidies, but

critics such as Environmental Working Group President Ken Cook

dismiss that legislation as "phony reform."

Critics of farm subsidies say soaring deficits and

anti-Washington sentiment could force Capitol Hill to revisit

reform proposals.

The Obama administration says its proposed subsidy cuts would

save $2.3 billion over 10 years. But the Democratic leaders of both

House and Senate agriculture committees oppose significant changes

to existing legislation.

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