Capitalization of the Single Payment Scheme into Land Value: Generalized Propensity Score Evidence from the European Union

This paper estimates the capitalization of the single payment scheme (SPS) into land values. The theory suggests a nonlinear and discontinuous relationship between the SPS and land rents. In empirical analysis we employ unique farm-level panel data and apply the generalized propensity score matching approach. Our estimates suggest a 6% to 10% SPS capitalization rate. On average in the European Union, the nonfarming landowners’ gains from the SPS are only 4%. However, there is a large variation in the capitalization rate for different SPS levels and between different member states (3% to 94%).