Exploring the regional efficiency of the Swedish agricultural sector during the CAP reforms ‒ multi-directional efficiency analysis approach

When designing structural reforms for rural areas, the regional dimension is crucial. This study implemented a multi-directional efficiency approach in a regional, rural development context with the aim of analysing the regional efficiency of agricultural resources. The efficiency patterns of each input and output were observed over three Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) periods (1998-2013). Efficiency of labour, assets and diversified output vary the most. Over the CAP periods, the efficiency gap across the counties decreases, indicating that changes in the policy help for regions cohesion. Future policies should keep compensating for generation of public goods, and creating opportunities for diversification.