Spatial Integration of Agricultural Commodity Markets – Methodological Problems

Abstract

The degree of integration of spatial markets is one of the most important determinants of economic welfare. However, the proper definition of this concept and the selection of appropriate methods of its analysis are important. Hence, the purpose of this study is to compare and evaluate methodical concepts for measuring the phenomenon of spatial integration of agricultural commodity markets. Based on the literature review, the theoretical premises and definitions of the integration of commodity markets were presented in the paper, followed by the most important methods for assessing the market spatial integration. When discussing them, attention was drawn to their characteristics in relation to theoretical concepts and to the possibility of their practical application on commodity agricultural markets in the light of available statistical information. The assessment of spatial integration can be based on price information, trade costs and trade flows. In the light of the studies conducted, it can be concluded that not all approaches used by researchers are justified in the theoretical foundations of spatial integration of markets. The main barriers to the practical verification of the occurrence, strength and changes in the spatial integration of agricultural commodity markets include the lack of full homogeneity of goods and difficulties in estimating the costs of trade.