Rep. Peterson wants a more efficient farm bill

Rep. Collin Peterson says he wants to make the federal farm program more efficient.

The U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chair said he's starting work this spring on the 2012 farm bill.

Peterson said he will try to reduce direct government payments to farmers and use that money to create a better safety net.

"In my opinion, that money should be used to support the average, middle-sized commercial farmer, because they're the people that produce most of our food and I think that's the part of the system we really want to protect," he said.

Peterson said he will not increase overall spending on farm programs, adding he is willing to cut the farm bill only if all government programs are trimmed.

Peterson said 80 percent of farm bill spending goes for food stamps and nutrition, programs no one wants to cut.

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