Andrea Pufahl () (Federal Agricultural Research Center, Institute of Rural Studies, Braunschweig, Germany) Christoph Weiss () (Department of Economics, Vienna University of Economics & B.A.)
Abstract
The paper applies a non-parametric propensity score matching approach to evaluate the effects of two types of farm programs (agri-environment (AE) programs and the less favoured area (LFA) scheme) on input use and farm output of individual farms in Germany. The analysis reveals a positive and significant treatment effect of the LFA scheme for farm sales and the area under cultivation. Participants in AE schemes are found to significantly increase the area under cultivation (in particular grassland), resulting in a decrease of livestock densities. Furthermore, participation in AE programs significantly reduced the purchase of farm chemicals (fertilizer, pesticide). We also find substantial differences in the treatment effect between individual farms (heterogeneous treatment effects). Farms which can generate the largest benefit from the program are most likely to participate.
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Publisher Info
Paper provided by Vienna University of Economics and B.A., Department of Economics in its series Department of Economics Working Papers with number
wuwp113.
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