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Exploring Diversification Strategies among Italian Farms

Author

Listed:
  • Concetta Cardillo

    (Centre for Policies and Bioeconomy, CREA—Council for Research in Agriculture and Economics Agricultural Analysis, 00198 Rome, Italy)

  • Luca Bartoli

    (Department of Economics and Law, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Via S. Angelo, Loc. Folcara, 03043 Cassino, Italy)

  • Marcello De Rosa

    (Department of Economics and Law, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Via S. Angelo, Loc. Folcara, 03043 Cassino, Italy)

  • Martina Francescone

    (Department of Economics and Law, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Via S. Angelo, Loc. Folcara, 03043 Cassino, Italy)

  • Margherita Masi

    (Department of Veterinary Medical Science, Alma Mater Studiorium University of Bologna, Via Tolara Di Sopra, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy)

  • Hanae Sahir

    (Department of Economics and Law, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Via S. Angelo, Loc. Folcara, 03043 Cassino, Italy)

  • Yari Vecchio

    (Department of Veterinary Medical Science, Alma Mater Studiorium University of Bologna, Via Tolara Di Sopra, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy)

Abstract

The multifunctionality model is receiving more and more attention from policymakers as a result of recent initiatives to build more resilient and sustainable food systems as well as the potential for increased farm revenue. This paper explores the role of multifunctional farming in the Italian agriculture viewed through the lens of an entrepreneurial strategy grounded on-farm diversification. Farm diversification strategies, which broaden the farm’s traditional boundaries to include additional activities at the farm level, help the evolution towards multifunctionality. A policy-driven transition towards multifunctional farming has been noticed in Italy during the past few decades, which has prompted a strategic reconfiguration of the farm’s business models. Drawing on the identified activity of portfolio diversification, this study provides an overview of the analyzed 49,429 Italian farms, by articulating diversification strategies into four entrepreneurial activities, which are related to on/off-farm/farm-related or farm-diverse diversification strategies. This article has attempted to verify the presence of farm types that responded to portfolio diversification management strategies through the use of a cluster analysis on data from the general census of Italian agriculture. Supporting new patterns in the adoption of business models focused on multifunctionality should be considered in European rural development policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Concetta Cardillo & Luca Bartoli & Marcello De Rosa & Martina Francescone & Margherita Masi & Hanae Sahir & Yari Vecchio, 2024. "Exploring Diversification Strategies among Italian Farms," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-13, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:20:p:8856-:d:1497637
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Silvia Sivini & Annamaria Vitale, 2023. "Multifunctional and Agroecological Agriculture as Pathways of Generational Renewal in Italian Rural Areas," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-17, March.
    2. Margherita Masi & Jorgelina Di Pasquale & Yari Vecchio & Fabian Capitanio, 2023. "Precision Farming: Barriers of Variable Rate Technology Adoption in Italy," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-16, May.
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    4. Concetta Cardillo & Orlando Cimino & Marcello De Rosa & Martina Francescone, 2023. "The Evolution of Multifunctional Agriculture in Italy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-19, July.
    5. Sandra Contzen & Jérémie Forney, 2017. "Family farming and gendered division of labour on the move: a typology of farming-family configurations," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 34(1), pages 27-40, March.
    6. Jostein Vik & Gerard Mcelwee, 2011. "Diversification and the Entrepreneurial Motivations of Farmers in Norway," Journal of Small Business Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 49(3), pages 390-410, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sciortino, Caterina & Sgroi, Filippo & Modica, Federico, 2025. "Economic dynamics of the Italian agricultural land structure," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
    2. Julia Doitchinova & Zornitsa Stoyanova, 2024. "Regional Aspects of Transformations in Agriculture: The Case of the Republic of Bulgaria," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-15, December.

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