Inequality and Concentration in Farmland Size: A Regional Analysis for Western Europe

This paper uses regional data for Western Europe to explore relative and absolute farmland size inequality and farm size concentration, demonstrating that specific indicators provide somewhat differing country characterisations. The paper uses exploratory spatial data analysis techniques to measure the degree of spatial dependence in farm size at a NUTS2 level. Regional farm size clusters are identified, some of which straddle national borders. The results have policy implications, demonstrating that the association between land inequality and farm productivity and resistance to change in farm support structures may relate to pan national regional considerations more so than national concerns. The research is conducted at a NUTS3 level for the Italian case and these findings suggest that the level of spatial disaggregation is an important consideration.