Implementing multifunctional and integrated productive approaches to improve socioeconomic sustainability and develop rural marginal area: a bet for the future of agriculture

How to shape future agricultural and rural systems to achieve a safe operating space is becoming a key question for researchers and policymakers.Stimulate and support the sustainable development and productivity of rural areas that are currently disadvantaged and marginal from a socio-economic point of view is one of the focal points for tackling this challenge, together with transversal actions, such as: i) promoting resilience of agricultural systems to the current climate crisis; ii) reducing waste and environmental impact; iii) developing strategies to increase the circular economy; iv) promoting safety, traceability and typicality in agri-food supply chains.To achieve these objectives, research activities must be conducted aimed at identifying operative solutions for rural and marginal areas at risk of degradation and abandonment, gathering stakeholders and promoting sustainable innovations in agricultural techniques for agrifood and non-food farms and companies.Specific actions must be focused to the maintenance of the territory, ecological balance, plant and animal biodiversity, rural landscape, traditional productions, rural built heritage, and development of rural tourism.It is necessary to identify specific plant and animal genetic resources for marginal areas to promote multifunctional production systems (food and non-food), ornamental or medicinal species functional to landscape and territory management.The presence of critical factors such as territorial instability and environmental or climatic difficulties also require new models of integrated production to promote forestry-wood, agri-food, and alternative supply chains with a view to the cascade use of natural sources for the restoration of local economies.