Processes of convergence/divergence of labour productivity in agriculture of the European Union – regional analysis

The main aim of the article is to evaluate whether the process of convergence of labour productivity in the EU regions can be observed. The analysis concerned 212 EU regions at NUTS 2 level. The σ convergence coefficient has been calculated, in order to assess the labour productivity differentiation among EU regions. The analysis proved that the processes of convergence of labour productivity (measured by gross value added per one employed) in EU regions may be observed in years 2000-2008. Despite positive changes, the differences between EU-12 and EU-15 regions are still significant. The results demonstrate the need for further changes in agricultural and production structures. This is particularly important in terms of the competitiveness of the agriculture of these countries in the international market.