FUTURE-DIRECTIONS FOR AGRICULTURAL BANKING EFFICIENCY RESEARCH - DISCUSSION

This paper outlines areas for future research in agricultural banking efficiency. The discussion is structured as follows. First, I briefly discuss the motivations for financial institution efficiency research. Next, I discuss some general concerns I have with much of the financial services efficiency research to date, including the papers presented. Third, I turn attention to the specific area of financial services to agriculture. Both the motivations and specific observations concerning financial services to agriculture and rural areas suggest a policy-oriented research agenda. My general concerns about financial efficiency research suggest theoretical, empirical, and methodological issues, the resolution of which may enhance confidence in research findings. I conclude with a discussion of how agricultural economists can contribute to this research agenda.