How do agricultural policies influence farm size inequality? The example of France
利用法国1970-2007年县级数据，通过基尼系数和计量分析发现，农业政策显著降低了农场规模不平等，其中土地管理机构SAFER的活动是主要影响因素。
We investigate farm size inequality in France using agricultural censuses and farm structure surveys at the NUTS3 level (‘départements’) during the period 1970–2007. Using calculated Gini coefficients, we show that farm size inequality has not systematically increased in France. An econometric analysis of the determinants of farm size inequality reveals that policy measures significantly affected farm size inequality, with most of the measures considered decreasing it. Empirical results suggest that the main contributor was the activity of the SAFER (Société d'Aménagement Foncier et d'Etablissement Rural), a specific feature of the French farm structural policy aimed at regulating rural land management. Besides, this research highlights the great complexity of the dynamics underlying the evolution of farm size distribution.