Comparative analysis of agricultural support within the major agricultural trading nations

Indicators of real support make it possible to compare policies across countries. EU farmers are more supported than their US colleagues, but EU support generates little distortion on world markets. US and Canada adjust support to protect farmers from adverse situations. Like the growing levels of support in Russia and China, these policies generate market distortions. Swiss support is directed towards the provision of public goods. In some countries such as Brazil, agricultural support targets innovation while most EU support has a focus on farm income.