> this is the primary argument for farm subsidies -- often pilloried on HN
I don't think there's a strong objection to farm subsidies on their own. The complaints mostly revolve around (a) the food that gets subsidized is food that makes us unhealthy, and (b) the politicians pushing farm subsidies are also against other forms of government assistance, and refuse to recognize the inconsistency in these attitudes.
When it comes to food, energy, water and critical tech, it makes sense to control your supply, even if it comes at a premium.