Effects of Agri-Environment Programs and the Less-Favoured Area Scheme on Farm Input Use:
Results from Propensity Score Matching

Andrea Pufahl, Christoph R. Weiss

Published: 01.03.2010  〉 Jahrgang 59 (2010), Heft 1, 13-29  〉 Resort: Articles 
Submitted: N. A.   〉 Feedback to authors after first review: N. A.   〉 Accepted: N. A.

ABSTRACT

Abstract
The paper applies a semi-parametric matching approach (propensity score matching) to evaluate the effects of agri-environment (AE) programs and the less-favoured area (LFA) scheme on input use (land, labour, capital, livestock, fertilizer and pesticides) and farm output of individual farms in Germany. The analysis reveals a positive and significant effect of both farm programs on the area under cultivation, in particular on grassland, resulting in a decrease of cattle livestock density. Furthermore, participation to AE programs significantly reduced the purchase of fertilisers. For both farm programs, no significant effect on farm sales is observed. Furthermore, the magnitude of program effects increases along with increasing program payments.

Key words
Evaluation; agri-environment programs; less-favoured area scheme; propensity score matching

CONTACT AUTHOR
Kontaktautorin:
DR. ANDREA PUFAHL
Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut
Institut für Ländliche Räume
Bundesallee 50, 38116 Braunschweig
E-Mail: andrea.pufahl@vti.bund.de
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