Criticism is mounting about the cost and effectiveness of agricultural policies in wealthy countries, and their implications for trade and international relations. A major barrier to the reform of support policies is the belief that this would impose an unreasonable adjustment burden on farmers and others employed in the food and agricultural sector.

Economic research is ongoing regarding the nature and magnitude of the adjustments that would result from agricultural policy reform, the ability of those involved in food and agriculture to adapt, and the potential contribution of existing or new public programs in facilitating adjustment.