No abstract

Malmquist productivity index, Stochastic input distance function, Greek aquaculture farms, C23, D24, Q22,

Estimates the output-oriented and input-specific technical efficiency in two samples of Greek, durum wheat farms ± organic and conventional ones ± using Kalirajan and Obwona's stochastic varying coefficient regression model. Findings indicate that the organic wheat farms examined are relatively more efficient. Reasons may include lower profit margins and restrictions on inputs permitted, which may force organic farmers to be more cautious with input use. However, technical efficiency scores are still relatively low for both types of wheat farming. Therefore, considerable scope for cost reducing and farm income improvement may exist in both farming modes. This realization could prove crucial for the long-run viability and the future course of organic wheat farming.

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Using recent advances in the stochastic production frontier framework, this paper presents an empirical analysis of technical, allocative and economic efficiency of a sample of organic and conventional cotton farms located in Greece. The results suggest that both farm types in the sample examined are technically, allocatively and economically inefficient. Farmer's age and education and farm size are important factors in explaining differentials in efficiency estimates. In comparative terms, organic farms exhibit lower efficiency scores vis-à-vis their conventional counterparts in terms of technical and economic efficiency; regarding allocative efficiency both farm types are almost equally inefficient. Low efficiency scores in both types of farming may be attributed to the respective intervention policies of the last 20 years.