The Technical Efficiency Impact of Farm Credit Programmes: A Case Study of Northern Germany
分析了1987-1994年德国石勒苏益格-荷尔斯泰因州参与欧洲农场信贷计划的奶牛场的技术效率，发现参与计划反而导致效率轻微下降，表明该计划未能提升农场竞争力。
We analyse the technical efficiency of dairy farms in Schleswig‐Holstein that took part in the European Farm Credit Programme over the period 1987 to 1994. One goal of this programme is to increase the productivity of farms. We test whether participants show higher technical efficiency. We utilise a stochastic frontier model that allows for heteroscedasticity and estimation of determinants of technical inefficiency. Statistical tests indicate dominance of this model over alternative specifications. On average, we observe a high level of technical efficiency between 1987–94, but participation in the programme has rather led to a slight decrease. Thus, the programme seems to have failed to increase the competitiveness of farms.