Specialization And Concentration Of Agricultural Production In The Region Of Central Macedonia (Greece)

The purpose of this study is to examine the concentration and specialization trends of crop and livestock production in the Region of Central Macedonia, Greece, during the 1980-2006 period. The Region of Central Macedonia is ranked second in terms of GDP and population among the 13 Greek Regions and the total value of its primary production is the highest in the country. The analysis indicates low specialization coefficients for most of the Prefectures in the Region, and high concentration coefficients for crops of particular economic and social importance for small areas of some Prefectures, such as olives and tree crops. Traditional livestock sectors such as cow, sheep and goat farming are widespread in the Region, while, recently introduced activities, such as pork and poultry production, exhibit considerably high concentration coefficients. These findings can be of interest in the design of appropriate management strategies either for market-oriented or formerly highly protected sectors.