Government green support and eco-efficiency in pig farming: Evidence from China

Abstract

For a long time, the Chinese government has sought to maintain stable pig production while mitigating the environmental impacts of agricultural activities. To achieve this dual objective, the government has continuously increased support for pig farmers. Using micro-level data from pig farms in Shandong Province, this study examines the relationship between government green support and farming eco-efficiency. We find a positive association between green support and higher eco-efficiency, with long-term development-oriented support exhibiting a stronger correlation. Short-term rescue-oriented and long-term development-oriented support demonstrate a complementary effect. Green support influences eco-efficiency through both scale and technological effects. These findings provide empirical evidence for optimizing government green support policies.