A double hurdle model of off-farm work participation and off-farm labour in
come was derived and estimated consistent with a farm household model. It w
as found that rationing and unexpected transaction costs inhibit farm house
holds from participating in off-farm work. The 1992 and the Agenda 2000 CAP
reforms are most likely to increase the off-farm employment of arable farm
households, but its full effect cannot be realised because of inhibitions
to enter off-farm activities. Household and farm characteristics have diffe
rent impacts on off-farm work participation and on the level of off-farm la
bour income. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.