Technical efficiency in Brazilian citrus production

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the technical efficiency of citrus producing properties in Sao Paulo state, in 2009 and 2010. For this, producers were interviewed; non–parametric data envelopment analysis approach was applied to calculate levels of technical efficiency, and an econometric approach was applied to establish technical efficiency determinants. The results showed that a great part of Sao Paulo citrus producing properties works inefficiently and the variables that mostly contribute to increase efficiency are “producer schooling “ and “experience as rural producer”.

Keywords

• Technical efficiency
• citrus sector