Energy substitutability in transition agriculture: estimates and implications for Hungary

Shankar, B., Piesse, J. and Thirtle, C. (2003) Energy substitutability in transition agriculture: estimates and implications for Hungary. Agricultural Economics, 29 (2). pp. 181-193. ISSN 0169-5150 doi: 10.1016/s0169-5150(03)00047-1

Abstract/Summary

Subsidised energy prices in pre-transition Hungary had led to excessive energy intensity in the agricultural sector. Transition has resulted in steep input price increases. In this study, Allen and Morishima elasticities of substitution are estimated to study the effects of these price changes on energy use, chemical input use, capital formation and employment. Panel data methods, Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) and instrument exogeneity tests are used to specify and estimate technology and substitution elasticities. Results indicate that indirect price policy may be effective in controlling energy consumption. The sustained increases in energy and chemical input prices have worked together to restrict energy and chemical input use, and the substitutability between energy, capital and labour has prevented the capital shrinkage and agricultural unemployment situations from being worse. The Hungarian push towards lower energy intensity may be best pursued through sustained energy price increases rather than capital subsidies. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/9162
Item Type	Article
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Uncontrolled Keywords	Hungarian agriculture, energy use, transition, Allen and Morishima, elasticities of substitution, generalised method of moments, EASTERN-EUROPEAN AGRICULTURE, PANEL DATA, SUBSTITUTION, ELASTICITIES, SPECIFICATION, DEMAND, MODELS
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