Johan F.M. Swinnen

Success and failure of reform : insights from the transition of agriculture

The paper analyzes the linkages between the reform strategies in transition countries and economic performance. We focus on agriculture because of the sharpness of the policy changes, fundamental differences among countries, and relative simplicity of agricultural relationships. We document post reform performance in the transition countries of Asia and Europe. We show how: a.) pricing reform and subsidy reductions; b.) land rights reform and policies that affect farm restructuring; and c.) the presence institutions that facilitate exchange (either markets or market substitutes) affect output and productivity. The paper ends with general lessons on reforms and transition.

Political Economy of Agricultural Distortions in Transition Countries of Asia and Europe

This paper analyzes the political and institutional factors which are behind the dramatic changes in distortions to agricultural incentives in the transition countries in East Asia, Central Asia, and the rest of the former Soviet Union, and in Central and Eastern Europe. The paper explains why these changes have occurred and why there are large differences among transition countries in the extent and the nature of the remaining distortions.

Tied Houses: Why They Are So Common and Why Breweries Charge Them High Prices for Their Beer

Pubs with exclusivity contracts with breweries or drinks distributors are known as “tied houses.” Often, the building in which the pub is located is property of the brewery or is being rented by the brewery from a third party on behalf of the publican. In other cases, the brewery has made financial or material investments in the pub, e.g. by giving loans or providing furniture. In return, publicans agree to exclusively buy products from the brewery.1