Global state support for agriculture reaches almost $1 trillion for the first time

In 2025, total support for agriculture in 56 countries around the world increased by 15% or $121 billion compared to 2023 to a record $950 billion, and support relative to the value of agricultural production increased from 17.6% to 19.1%, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

 

During 2023/2025, the volume of support averaged $885 billion per year, which included both budget payments and support through domestic price regulation.

 

The OECD estimates that almost half of aid is provided in the most distortive forms of production and trade, affecting market prices, subsidizing inputs and payments tied to output. Most of the measures are short-term responses to crises, rather than programs to reduce future risks to the sector.

 

At the same time, investments in the long-term development of the industry, in particular spending on infrastructure, research and innovation, are significantly lower than necessary and amount to an average of $118 billion per year. Their share in the value of agricultural production has decreased from 4.6% in 2000-2002 to 2.4% in 2023-2025.

 

As a result, the growth of total factor productivity in agriculture slowed from 1.8% per year in 1991-2000 to 0.8% per year in 2014-2023.

 

OECD experts recommend that governments increase funding for science, the development of new technologies and infrastructure, develop risk management and analyze the effectiveness of measures taken to improve the resilience of the agricultural sector and reduce the need for anti-crisis assistance.