Agricultural transitions and the dynamics of specialisation
2024
Gaigne Inrae, Carl | Spectroscopie, Matière et Rayonnement, Théorie (SMART) ; Institut de Chimie - CNRS Chimie (INC-CNRS)-Sorbonne Université (SU)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)
Carrefour de l'innovation agronomique on Thursday 9 November 2023 at ENSAT in Toulouse
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Show more [+] Less [-]English. This article aims to highlight and explain the unequal distribution of agricultural production across regions and farms and the increasing level of regional specialisation over the long term. Agricultural specialisation and concentration trends are promoted by common factors such as the relatively low prices of chemical inputs (fertilisers, pesticides), the rise in the relative prices of primary factors (land, labour) and technological changes (production, transport) that favour agglomeration and scale economies to the detriment of economies of scope. Agricultural policies can strengthen or slow these processes, depending on the design of public regulations. While specialisation at the farm and regional levels has generated economic gains, it has also resulted in negative externalities such as pollution and loss of biodiversity. We propose some recommendations for policy such as zoning policies to align the incentives received by farmers with general interest.
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