Book Review - Agricultural Policies in OECD Countries 2010 - At a glance

 

Farm support is becoming increasingly 'conditional' as governments pursue broader policy objectives, says the latest report from OECD 'Agricultural Policies in OECD Countries 2010 - At a Glance'.

The report 'At a Glance ...' is published every second year, and looks at agricultural policies within OECD member countries in response to request to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the key agricultural policy reforms.

In 2009 the estimated cost to support producers was US$253 billion or €182 billion. This was equivalent to 22 percent of the aggregate farm receipts. Prior to this there had been a steady decline in the support levels from 2004, higher prices on commodities in 2007/08 were the reason for this decline in the measured support during those years.

In Chapter 1 the report looks at the evaluation of support and policy development for countries under the OECD umbrella. Looking at the general macroeconomic and market context the policies of agriculture operated in. Recent changes and initiatives in policies of the OECD countries are highlighted. Conclusions in Chapter 1 are derived about the progress in the OECD countries of reforms being implemented.

In Chapter 2 of the publication looks at the support for each individual OECD member country (where the European Union is viewed as one country), with descriptions for the main policy developments/evaluations in tables and graph form. 

Chapter 3 summaries the information showing the estimates of support for OECD countries in table form for each country. This report is an important up-to-date source of information about agriculture support with in the OECD area.

Even though the support levels are slowly being decreased in some of the OECD countries due to the steps being taken. The support that farmers are receiving is now becoming increasingly conditional as their governments pursue the broader policy objectives.

This is an interesting report that shows all OECD member countries in details and the support levels that each has in place. This is a valuable asset to governments and policy makers, but also would be helpful as a guide to students of agriculture who are interested in the policy of support throughout the OECD area.

ISBN 978-92-64-08379-0