The factors affecting the motivation to exit farming - evidence from Estonia.

摘要

After Estonia restored independence, the number of individual farms increased rapidly during the 1990s. Since 2001, the number of farms has substantially decreased. Therefore, based on the survey data, this paper aims to explore the factors underlying the motivation to exit farming in Estonia. Cluster analysis is used to form relatively homogeneous groups of farms, and to investigate between-group differences in the motivation to exit as well as other farm characteristics. Logistic and ordered logistic regressions are applied to estimate the effects of selected variables on exit probability. The study reveals that the farms that are least likely to exit are large-scale farms and small-scale family farms. In small-scale farms, a reliance on family labour and a diversification of activities reduces the exit probability. The size of agricultural area was found to correlate negatively to exit intentions, while a higher share of rented land increases the exit probability. Also, the health of the farmer and the renting out of land are significant determinants to farm exit.