From Individual Farms to Agriholdings: Methodological Implications. An Explorative Regional Case Study in East Germany

Abstract

Agricultural economics and policy planning make use of—and rely on—agricultural statistics. Individual agricultural firms, as they are represented in statistical systems, are usually treated as independent economic decision-makers. Our paper investigates the impacts of agriholding structures on statistical and economic parameters. Therefore, the paper will draw on the empirical evidence generated in a local case study in seven communities in northeast Germany.

It is argued that cross-regional investors systematically “assemble” agriholdings based on their overall business strategy. If large holding structures exist, then the individual business perspective may create a flawed representation of farm structures.