The United States and the European Union on the other hand, continue to use taxpayer dollars to support their dairy industries. A recent study published by Grey, Clark and Shih estimates that in 2015, total support (direct and indirect) granted to the U.S dairy industry represented approximately CAD$35.02/hectolitre. That’s equivalent to 73% of what farmers earn from the marketplace. However, it’s important to note that US dairy farmers rarely benefit from subsidies in the form of direct payments. The industry as a whole receives government support through a complex network of infrastructure, food and export subsidies.
