Meet the Candidates: John McCain WASHINGTON (Sep 2, 2008) — Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) was not present during the 2008 farm bill vote but voiced his opposition for it and urged a presidential veto. According to an Associated Press article comparing the candidates’ farm policies, McCain: • Supports trade expansion through negotiations "to lower trade barriers, decrease trade-distorting subsidies and stabilize an affordable food supply for all nations." • Calls for "reasonable reforms to our crop insurance program and our system of countercyclical and direct aid payments." • Would cap subsidies to farmers who have adjusted gross income of $250,000 or more, while providing small farmers with "a reasonable safety net." • Pledges to press Agriculture Department officials to research drought-resistant and higher-yield crops. • Supports indexing the food stamp program "to reflect the current cost of living." • Would provide "marketing tools" for the fruit and vegetable industries. Useful Links: McCain’s farm policy platform.  McCain speaks to the American Farm Bureau Federation. McCain’s voting record on agriculture. Note: Farm Policy Facts is not endorsing and will not endorse any candidate for office.  This article is for informational purposes only.