The forces for change - the trade and fiscal deficit, the perceived infairness of agricultural policies and the shift in politival power to the Repiblicans - overcame the vested self- interests of farmers and their political allies and so lead to a dramatic change in US food and agricultural policies. Direct payments were decoupled from market prices ant the level of supply, as farmers will receive fixed annual payments for the next seven years. In turn, farmers will not face supply restrictions and will have almost complete freedom to plant whatever they choose, and so will respond to market forces. The stance that the Us will take in international forums will reflect its domestic programs, wich suggest increased confrontations with the European Union.
