Structural change in European agriculture.

This chapter examines how the structure of the European agricultural industry has been evolving and the characteristics that shape its ability to adjust. The focus is on the members of the EU-15. Common patterns of change are identified, including: the exit of labour from agriculture; and changes in numbers of holdings and their average size. Key characteristics of European agriculture that are related to structural change include: the family nature of farming; farming combined with other activities; tenure and family ownership of land; and the personal characteristics of the farm operators who take management decisions.