Trends in European Agriculture: Concentration and Inequality from 2010 to 2020

A recent analysis titled "Inequality and Concentration in Farmland Production and Size: Regional Analysis for the European Union from 2010 to 2020" by Simone Boccaletti, Paolo Maranzano, and Miguel Viegas investigates significant trends in the agricultural sector across Europe over the past decade. The study highlights a notable decline in the number of farms, with approximately 3 million fewer farms reported between 2010 and 2020, while the agricultural standard output increased from €304 billion to nearly €360 billion during the same period.

The authors utilized the Gini concentration index to assess the distribution of land ownership and production size among farms in various regions. Their findings indicate a growing concentration of agricultural power, suggesting that fewer, larger farms are dominating the market. This trend raises important questions about the implications for agricultural diversity, regional economies, and food security within the European Union.

The extensive mapping provided in the study allows for a detailed socio-economic and political assessment of the agricultural market integration process. The authors argue that understanding these dynamics is crucial, especially in the context of recent global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing green energy transition. The study aims to inform policymakers and stakeholders about the potential impacts of these trends on future agricultural practices and market structures.

For further details, the paper can be accessed at arXiv:2409.00111.