FACTBOX: Reuters AFB survey on the election and trade

(Reuters) - American farmers would be strong supporters of either John McCain or Mike Huckabee if the election were held today, and they pointed to the economy as the most important issue for the 2008 presidential race, according to a Reuters survey of 686 farmers.

The poll was distributed to farmers and ranchers attending the annual meeting of the American Farm Bureau Federation, the nation's largest farm group. The meeting, which tends to attract larger and more sophisticated farming operators, was attended by some 5,000 grain growers, livestock producers and agribusiness executives.

The Reuters poll, conducted for the ninth consecutive year, did not attempt to weigh responses by state, size of farm, or other criteria. Farmers also were asked questions on a variety of topics including biomass crops, ethanol and the farm bill.

The following table details the survey results from 686 voluntary respondents. Totals may not equal 100 percent due to rounding:

U.S. FARM BILL

Would you participate in a revenue protection plan such as what Congress is considering?

Yes: 66 pct No: 34 pct

Do you think direct payments should be eliminated?

Yes: 24 pct No: 76 pct

Did Congress' failure to pass a new farm bill or renew the 2002 farm bill before it expired in September make it harder to determine which crops/how much to plant in 2008?

Yes: 36 pct No: 64 pct

2008 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Which of the following is the most important issue for the 2008 presidential race?

Immigration: 22 pct

Iraq: 11 pct

Social Security: 3 pct