This example should not be taken to imply that large subsidies to farms is a
uniquely American phenomenon. The European Union spends over $100 billion
annually supporting its farmers. The average European cow, for example,
is supported by $2 a day of government spending. Japan spends over $54 billion
on its farmers, protecting them with measures like rice tariffs of nearly
500%.15 In total, the OECD estimates that the developed world spends $225
billion annually directly supporting farmers, with $142 billion coming from
tariffs and export subsidies and $83 billion from direct payments to farmers.