Originally published in 1988, this book was written at a time of excessive budgetary costs, huge surpluses and damaging trade conflicts. This study examines why a crisis situation was allowed to develop, nd proposes the most effective ways, both nationally and internationally - to chieve more rational agricultural support and trade policies. It concentrates on the efforts to reform the Common Agricultural Policy in the EU, on United States support policies, and on the GATT negotiations.

Michael Franklin was Permanent Secretary to the British Ministry of Agriculture.