This paper aims to conduct inter-country analysis of agricultural productivity growth in transition countries in Asia and Europe. This paper pays particular attention to the magnitude and direction of productivity growth over different stages of their market reforms. Design/methodology/approach - The paper adopts a nonparametric Malmquist index approach using an output distance function to measure productivity growth and decompose it into its associated components. The empirical analysis is performed using the most recent FAO data set of 35 transition countries in Asia and Europe over the period of 1979-2004. Findings - The paper shows that decomposition analysis of productivity growth differs considerably at different stages of the transition period. This study presents supporting evidence that serious improvements in performance and efficiency, as well as continued technology transfer and adoption are required for transition economies to meet the demand for food and anticipated increases in world population. Originality/value - A comprehensive picture about the agricultural performance of the transition countries has somehow been missing in the literature. This study fills this gap by analyzing the productivity in these transition countries. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.