Measuring the input-orientated technical efficiency of Estonian grain farms in 2005-2007.

摘要

The aim of this article is to illustrate how data envelopment analysis can be a useful tool in measuring the input-orientated technical efficiency of Estonian grain farms. To explore the potential for gains in efficiency, we have calculated the technical and scale efficiency of the grain farms in Estonia. The data used in the model were collected in 2005-2007 from 348 grain farms. The Farm Accounting Data Network data were used to analyse the grain sector. Estonia joined the European Union in 2004; therefore, the period from 2005 to 2007 includes the period following EU accession. Joining the European Union has changed the situation of farmers, with the main change being an increase in agricultural subsidies.