While we expect our farmers to compete on a "level" playing...

While we expect our farmers to compete on a "level" playing field, just look at what the europeans are doing and its at the centre of their woes.

"Agricultural subsidies to European farmers and fisheries make up more than 40 percent of the EU budget[1]. As the EU budget is around 120 billion, this means that 48 billion is spent on agricultural subsidies alone; or about 0,321% of the EU's GDP."
Quote from wikepedia

...that is a recipe for economic disaster and it is catching up with them...starting with Con the olive farmer in Greece.