Introduction : the problem of agricultural subsidies -- The economics of government intervention -- The structure of the world food system -- Global institutions and the World Trade Organization -- The nature and scope of agricultural subsidies in high-income countries -- U.S. agricultural policy : how not to save the family farm -- Agricultural policy in the European Union : Europe's sacred cows -- Agricultural policy on the Pacific rim : non-trade concerns versus comparative advantage -- Agricultural policy in developing countries : cheap food -- Conclusion : whither agricultural policy?