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The New Path of Agriculture

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Entrepreneurship Networks in Italy

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Abstract

Agriculture has recently evolved, increasing its functions and its role. It has also seen the implementation of multiple innovations. The agricultural sector can primarily implement innovations in its processes. In Italy the most important innovation is the organization of farms into networks. This is principally the result of a different and new entrepreneurship, typical of young Italian farmers. These new organizational processes are the most obvious indicator of the emergence of a “new” paradigm in agriculture, which highlights the social impact and the ethical content of agricultural activity. There is a “new” vision of a “new” socially responsible multifunctional farm, which society also associates with as the provider of public goods. As such, it is protected and financed by the state. In spite of its historical limitations, Italian agriculture more often than not tends to present a united front in its dealings with other sectors. Agriculture has also shown to be more resilient and able to cope better with the current crisis than many other sectors.

This chapter is written by Marilene Lorizio

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Gurrieri, A.R., Lorizio, M., Stramaglia, A. (2014). The New Path of Agriculture. In: Entrepreneurship Networks in Italy. SpringerBriefs in Business. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-03428-7_2

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