U.S. & EU Agriculture: Comparisons & Linkages

The European Union (EU) is one of the United States’ chief agricultural trading partners but also a major competitor in world markets. Both the United States and the EU provide significant government support for their agricultural sectors. In 2009, the EU and the U.S. together accounted for 60% of all government support to agriculture among the major developed economies. In the U.S., federal farm policy has traditionally focused on price and/or income support programs concentrated on row crops including grains, oilseeds and cotton, as well as sugar and dairy. In contrast, the EU provides more extensive support to a broader range of farm and food products, in addition to traditional row crops, sugar, and dairy. EU support also is extended to fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, and livestock products. This book examines the comparisons and linkages of U.S. and EU agricultural policy.