Abstract

This paper surveys some potential costs and benefits of increased concentration in agricultural markets in the context of an economic trade-off. The existing industrial organization literature is applied to agricultural markets to provide a more concrete structure for analysis. Although an important part of the debate, market power and the existing empirical literature measuring it are only part of a complete picture and suggestions are made on where this literature could go to increase its impact. Policy frameworks are examined to provide perspective on the relevant theoretical and empirical work.

Recommended Citation

Whitley, John (2003) "The Gains and Losses from Agricultural Concentration: A Critical Survey of the Literature," Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization: Vol. 1 : Iss. 1, Article 6.
DOI: 10.2202/1542-0485.1008
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/jafio/vol1/iss1/art6