Full Citation

Title: Why Is Labor Productivity so Low in Agriculture?

Citation Type: Miscellaneous

Publication Year: 2011

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Abstract: Why is agriculture much less productive than the rest of the economy in many countries? A common answer to this important question in development economics is that barriers to the movement of labor or goods cause large productivity gaps. In this paper we provide evidence from US states during 1980-2009 that agriculture is much less productive in many US states. We show that the standard explanations for productivity gaps account for very little only, and that barriers play no role at all. We then provide evidence suggesting that agricultural productivity is seriously mis-measured in the United States.

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Authors: Herrendorf, Berthold; Schoellman, Todd

Publisher: Arizona State University

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Labor Force and Occupational Structure, Other

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