Today we subsidize farmers because they must compete with offshore food producers. However, if we don't preserve our know-how then we could end up with some very deep regrets on down the road.
“I believe that we need to consider agriculture a little like national defense, and not be too concerned about providing the assurance that our nation preserves the ability to grow its own food.”
That only makes sense, as all protectionist arguments are the same, even if for particular special industries they tack on foofaraw about how we have to pay extra in case the Nazis rise again and invade us out of the blue.