How screwed up is US trade and agriculture policy?

Very screwed up. Here's an example. On his visit to Brazil, Bush announces a major initiative to promote the production of biofuels.

"Bush says he wants to work with Brazil, a pioneer in ethanol production for decades, to push the development of alternative fuels in Central America and the Caribbean. He and Silva also want to see standards set in the growing industry to help turn ethanol into an internationally traded commodity."

Along the way, the plan will promote development via exports throughout Latin America and reduce America's dependence on imported oil. Great idea, but then in the last paragraph of the story the other shoe drops:

"One roadblock in the Bush-Silva ethanol talks is a 54-cent tariff the United States has imposed on every gallon of ethanol imported from Brazil. Bush says it's not up for discussion."