Is small family farming more environmentally sustainable? Evidence from a spatial regression discontinuity design in Germany. (January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wuepper, David; Wimmer, Stefan; Sauer, Johannes
• Is Part Of: Land use policy. Volume 90(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-01
• Subjects: Small family farming -- Agricultural sustainability -- Spatial regression discontinuity -- East and west Germany; Land use -- Periodicals; Land use -- Government policy -- Periodicals; Sol, Utilisation du -- Périodiques; Sol, Utilisation du -- Politique gouvernementale -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 333.7305
• DOI: 10.1016/j.landusepol.2019.104360
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-8377

Abstract

Highlights: It is often argued that small family farms are more environmentally sustainable. We empirically investigate this question in Germany. We use a fuzzy regression discontinuity design for causal identification. Small family farms are managed differently from other farm types but not clearly more sustainably. Abstract: This article investigates the effect of small family farming on the use of sustainable farming practices in Germany. For causal identification, we employ a fuzzy spatial regression discontinuity design at the historical inner-German border, adjust p-values for multiple hypothesis testing, and compare distinct strategies to classify farms. The results show that small family farming leads to more spatial diversification (more products), but less temporal diversification (more monocultures), more bare soils during winter (fewer cover crops), and less creation or conservation of structural elements (such as hedges, walls, and trees). Thus, our empirical evidence does not support the idea that small family farming is unambiguously more sustainable than its alternatives.