The article provides an analysis of the multifunctionality of Italian agriculture based on the data of the 6th Agricultural Census (Istat). Exploring the new functions assigned to agriculture according to the post-productivist model of development, the paper focuses on two issues closely interconnected: the provision of environmental public goods and the diversification of activities carried out by the agricultural holdings. While Italian agriculture seems to be particularly suited for the provision of environmental goods and services, the data show a rather limited capacity on the part of Italian farms to introduce new diversification activities. Overall, the picture emerging from the analysis shows the coexistence in Italian agriculture of different production models. In some the multifunctional role of agriculture is key, since they are firmly based on the new environmental functions and the profitable diversification activities that are complementary or alternative to agricultural production. EconLit Classification: H410, Q120, Q150
Keywords: Multifunctionality, Agricultural census, Income diversification, Environmental public goods