Price Protection and Productivity Growth

This study provides empirical evidence on the relationship between price protection and productivity growth. From theoretical considerations, it is concluded that the impact of price protection on productivity growth is ambiguous. Although protectionism may in some instances stimulate investment and adoption of new technologies, efficiency may decrease, particularly when farm prices and income are high. Empirical evidence from the New Zealand beef/sheep industry indicates that high protection during the 1975–85 period produced negative productivity growth. Following market liberalization in 1985, productivity growth increased substantially.